It can be tough when choosing a good multivitamin; especially since there is so much to know about vitamins. When shopping around for a good multivitamin there are 10 tips you should know. Read the following tips to guide you as you make a purchase of multivitamins.
- You don’t necessarily need to spend a fortune on a multivitamin. For the most part, they all work the same. The basics are all you really need to consume.
- USP labels - look for the USP label on the side of the bottle or box of vitamins. This means that they have been tested and meet the standards of the US pharmacopoeia. They tend to be cheaper than those name brands that do not test against the standards of US pharmacopoeia.
- Levels of vitamin A should not exceed 5000 IU. At least 40% should contain beta carotene which is safer for your bones. Higher doses of vitamin A can result in a higher risk of lung cancer in smokers.
- Multivitamins should contain 100% daily value of the following minerals: magnesium, chromium, selenium, iodine, zinc, and copper.
- The recommended amount of vitamins C and E should be 250 to 500 milligrams a day. Large doses of vitamin E can conflict with the conversion of vitamin C.
- Taking a separate calcium supplement a day than that of the dosage in your multivitamin is highly recommended. Because calcium and not as condensed as other vitamins, it tends to take up more space leaving the multivitamin lacking in a sufficient amount. 1,000 milligrams a day is the recommended amount to be consumed.
- Iron is significant to those suffering from pre-menopausal syndrome. 100% of iron is recommended. Postmenopausal women do not require as much and could even require none.
- Large doses of copper can interfere with zinc. When reading labels be sure to check all the dosages of important vitamins and minerals.
- Always take your multivitamin with food for a better absorption rate.
- Most important vitamins and minerals that should be taken at 100% include vitamin D, Vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2(riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folic acid.
Source : Nutritional Supplements Guide
