Picking a Multivitamin

Chances are your diet is not completely balanced in the necessary
vitamins and minerals for health. A multivitamin becomes important in
these cases to cover your bases.

A basic multivitamin is all you need unless you fall into a group with
special vitamin and mineral requirements. Women who are or are trying
to become pregnant should take a prenatal supplement because it has
higher amounts of folic acid, iron, and calcium. Men and women over 50
will benefit from a "seniors" vitamin that has extra vitamin D,
calcium, and vitamin B12.

The highest-quality products tend to be store brands from major
chains, like Target and Wal-mart, or big-name companies, such as One A
Day, Vitamin World, and Centrum. There are plenty of vitamins to
choose from so make sure to do your research before you reach the
store.

Tips for Choosing a Supplement

Taking a supplement becomes important when your diet is lacking in certain nutrients. While it is preferable to get your daily needs of vitamins and minerals through food sources, it may not always be feasible. This is where supplements help to fill the gap.

When deciding which supplements to take, it is important to check the labels carefully. Look for a stamp on the supplement package from one of the groups that test supplements for safety and quality, like the USP or NSF. You want to choose a supplement that has about 100% of the Daily Value for nutrients. More than 100% is not necessary. Finally, picking a multivitamin and mineral supplement that is specific to your age and gender is beneficial because needs can vary so widely.

The next time you are at the store check out the supplement aisle. Do your research and pay attention to labels. A healthful diet and the right balance of nutrients can have a big impact on not only health conditions but also on mood and energy levels.