MULTIVITAMINS AND YOUR HEALTH: WHY QUALITY MATTERS
The million-dollar question for most concerned patients regarding multivitamins is, “Should I take vitamins on a daily basis?”. There have been a number of studies on the benefits of multivitamins, most have not been conclusive enough. However, the right multivitamin can be beneficial to our health,
it is necessary to remember that multivitamins tablets are meant to supplement a well-balanced diet, not replace it.
MULTIVITAMINS FOR MEN VS. WOMEN
There isn’t much of a difference in the type of multivitamin supplements that would be prescribed to men vs. women since both groups can have complications with bone health and immune system deficiencies as they age. Pregnant women, women trying to conceive, or those who are breastfeeding should be on prenatal multivitamins.
Consistent stress in an individual’s life can wreak havoc on the immune system. For patients who have stressful lifestyles or low energy, Vitamin B supplements can help support patients. For patients with compromised immunity, vitamins A, C, E, and D helps aid their immune system.
WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR IN A MULTIVITAMIN?
A high-quality multivitamin should cover basic nutritional needs. The following is a list of the minerals and vitamins that the average adult should look for when shopping for a multivitamin:
- Calcium citrate: The most absorbable version of calcium
- Vitamin D3: At least 100 IUs for bone health
- Antioxidants: Vitamin A, C, D, E, and selenium help protect the immune system
- Methylated B vitamins: The most absorbable version of B vitamins
- Minerals: Vitamin K2, biotin, magnesium, potassium, boron, choline, and chromium
HOW TO DETERMINE QUALITY OF MULTIVITAMINS
For a high-quality multivitamin, you want to look at absorbable ingredients. Here are some questions you can ask your physician or local pharmacist when picking out a multivitamin:
- Does it have the efficient, absorbable ingredients in it?
- Does it have calcium citrate?
- Is the multivitamin brand using vitamin D3 instead of vitamin D?
- Does it include the methylated B vitamins instead of regular B vitamins?
- Is there iron in it?
- Does it have vitamin K2 instead of vitamin K1?
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It’s best to consult your healthcare practitioner regarding multivitamins if you’re thinking about taking them. Only after completing a thorough history of their health issues, diet, lifestyle, and prescription drug, and a blood panel, the doctor will recommend what types of vitamins he or she will recommend.