Unless you are eating every single meal in perfect proportion, with the right servings of vegetables, protein, dairy and healthy carbs, chances are you’re probably not getting the correct amount of essential nutrients. Many of us try to eat healthy but “cheat.” And, that’s where a good multivitamin comes in. “Although multivitamins are not a requirement, they are good for those that aren’t getting the nutrition they need,” explains New York celebrity nutrition expert Oz Garcia.
While they are not a substitute for healthy eating, multivitamins act as “insurance for those that may not be getting all that they need from their diet,” says celebrity nutritionist Paula Simpson. “Multivitamins provide the minimum nutrients or dosage that’s recommended for the daily allowance, so there is some benefit in allowing them to act as a bridge in the nutrition gap if you are one that doesn’t eat properly,” she says.
Look for brands with proven track records. Companies that are in good standing and are professionally recommended are a good start. It may be trial and error until you find a supplement you like. Garcia suggests doing some online research to understand what you are putting into your body and how it is helping you.
Give your multivitamin some time. You need to give a multi a few days to “get into your system.” One month after starting it you should feel more alert and energized. If you don’t, it may not be the right pill for you.
Decide on the right time of day to take your vitamins. Whether you take them in the morning, at night or before you go to sleep, always take your vitamins with food or on a full stomach.
What should you look for in a multivitamin? That depends on your age…
In Your 20s and 30s
If you’re considering getting pregnant, choose a multi with at least 400 mcg of folic acid.
In Your 40s
As you enter premenopause, iron is needed since it can be lost as we age. A lack of iron can lead to heart disease and other heart related problems.
In and Over Your 50s
Your supplement should contain calcium, to prevent osteoporosis, and vitamin D.
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