Generic Vitamins And Minerals

Vitamin and mineral supplements enable you to meet your nutritional requirements, particularly when the foods in your diet are deficient in certain nutrients. People also take supplements to improve health and lower health risks. Generic vitamins and minerals are available through many retail stores. Consult your doctor about taking generic vitamins and minerals.

Types

Many types of generic vitamin and mineral supplements are on the market. Multiple vitamin supplements, such as B-complex, contain two or more vitamins. Multiple vitamin and mineral supplements contain a combination of vitamins and minerals. These products contain one or more vitamins with one or more minerals. A common generic multivitamin mineral supplement contains vitamin D and calcium, which together are helpful for preventing or treating osteoporosis, according to research by scientists at Catholic University in Leuven, Belgium, and published in the "Journal of Internal Medicine" in June 2006. Multiple mineral supplements include two or more minerals. Single nutrient supplements include only one vitamin or one mineral, such as vitamin B-12 or iron.

Ingredients

Like many name-brand vitamins, generic supplements contain vitamins that are synthesized in a lab and minerals that are derived from natural sources that undergo processing with synthetic substances that manufacturers use to prepare the final product. The product labels of supplements list the names and quantities of vitamins and minerals in the product. Comparing the product labels and prices between generic and brand products will enable you to determine which supplement provides you with what you need at the best value.

Administration

Generic vitamins and minerals are generally the same with regard to administration as branded products. Always follow your doctor's instructions regarding the quantity and time to take your supplements. Do not exceed the amount prescribed by your doctor or what is advised on the product label. When taken in high dosages, certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A and zinc, can cause side effects and toxicity, especially if you are pregnant. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about taking generic vitamins and minerals if you are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications to avoid any potential adverse interactions.

Considerations

Price and quality are important considerations when purchasing vitamins and minerals. Buying generic food products with store brand labels can save you money compared with purchasing similar products with name brand labels, according to Consumer Reports. This is also true when it comes to vitamin and mineral supplements. Although you can choose from many brands of vitamin and mineral supplements, the fact is generally, no difference in quality exists between generic and branded products.