How to Select Five Vitamins?
Vitamins are essential to the body's nutrition, growth and overall health. Vitamins are intended to be a dietary supplement and not a dietary substitute; food should remain the main source of vitamin intake. Taking vitamin supplements is a good way to get the additional vitamins and minerals your body might need for optimal health.
There are plenty of vitamins to choose from, so how do you choose the right combination for you?
- Talk to your doctor - It is always a good idea to consult your doctor before starting a vitamin regime (even if you are well). If you are currently suffering from any conditions, ask your doctor if there are any vitamins that would be beneficial to include in your treatment. If you are currently on medication, it is critical to ensure that any vitamins you take will not interfere with your prescription.
- Think about your diet - Are you getting the vitamins you need through your diet? If you are a senior or on a special diet, you may be lacking essential vitamins. Knowing your daily dietary needs of each vitamin helps you determine if you are receiving the necessary amount from your food and, if not, helps you select the vitamins you must supplement.
- Read what’s inside - Choose supplements that contain very few additives. You want the vitamin, not the other stuff, so read the label carefully.
- Brand matters - When it comes to vitamins, it may be wise to choose a reputable brand. Brand named vitamin companies have an established a history in the industry that you can check and select a brand that is right for you.
- USP Labeling - The United States Pharmacopeia is a non-government program that verifies the quality, potency and purity of the prescriptions and over-the-counter products, including vitamins and minerals. Vitamins that have been certified by the USP are considered the highest quality.
- Do your homework - Use the Internet as a resource. Research the supplements that you are considering so that you can make sure that your choices are right for your body and your lifestyle.
Some suggestions:
- Multivitamin - They are the perfect combination of essential vitamins and minerals. If recommended by their doctor, women, men and children should take a multivitamin that has been specifically tailored for their gender and age group.
- Vitamin C - Unlike some other vitamins, the body cannot produce vitamin C on its own, which is why it should be one of your five. It aids in growth and development and since it’s an antioxidant, it also helps reduce toxic chemical and pollutant damage.
- Vitamin D - Since the body produces vitamin D in the sun, many people suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Cell growth, immune system function, inflammation reduction and assisting in calcium absorption are a few of the benefits of vitamin D.
- Vitamin E - An antioxidant that helps eliminate harmful compounds in the body and also aids in red blood cell restoration.
- B-Vitamin - There are a variety of B-vitamins that promote healthy skin and muscle tone. They are also known to enhance the immune and nervous system.