Almost no one gets even the recommended daily amounts of vitamins and minerals in their food these days. Processed foods, depleted soil and poor diet are some of the things blamed for this. With this in mind, it is very likely that you could benefit from a good multi-vitamin.
Not all multi-vitamns are created equal and I suggest that you see what brands are available in your area and then do some research on each brand. If possible, use natural source vitamins as studies have shown that these natural vitamins are absorbed, utilized and retained better that the man-made versions.
When looking for a multi-vitamin, keep in mind that men and women need differnet vitamin mixes and strengths. Generally, women need more calcium and, if available, Vitamin K. Men should avoid vitamins that contain extra iron.
In addition to gender, age is a factor in the selection of a multi-vitamin. As we age, our requirements for various vitamins change. If you can find a good brand that has different formulations for ‘more mature’ people so much the better.
Taking vitamins and minerals for maintenance of good health requires different formulas than if you are trying to overcome a condition. A naturopath can help you determine if specific vitamins and minerals may be of benifit to you.
A very important point to remember is that there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Some people temd to think that if a little is good then a lot must be really good. This is NOT true. For example, taking large doses of Vitamin A (over 100,000 IU daily) over a long period can be toxic to your liver. Please do your research and learn how much is right for you.
Also note that certain medical conditions may alter how you absorb vitamins so be aware of any restrictions you may have on the vitamins you can take due to any existing medical problems.
Most dietary supplements are best used by the body if taken with a meal. There are some exceptions, such as B12, Folic acid and iron which are best taken between meals. A good multi-vitamin will have instructions on when to take it for best results.
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