If you’re considering taking vitamins, you know that it can be confusing to know where to start! There are so many multivitamins, targeted solutions, and single-vitamin supplements in the market, and choosing the one that works for you can be overwhelming. Here are a few things you need to know to help you choose the right supplement for yourself.
It can be challenging to get all the nutrients your body needs from food alone.
Chances are you’ve asked the question “Do I really need to take a vitamin if I eat healthy?” The truth is even the healthiest of diets may not always provide all of the nutrients your body needs. Most diets have nutritional gaps, and while vitamins should never replace a healthy diet, they are a great way to fill in those gaps.
The simplest way to fill your nutritional gaps is to take a multivitamin each day. Consider multivitamins that are specifically formulated for your gender or age, like Vitalizer™ Men, Women, and Gold.
Find out what specific vitamins you may need.
Everyone has different nutritional needs depending on their age, gender, diet, and health. For example, people over the age of 50 need more vitamin B12 because they have a reduced ability to absorb it from food. Also, women who are pregnant benefit from more folic acid and iron to support the baby’s growth and development. Lifestyle can affect your nutritional needs too. For example, people who don’t get as much exposure to sun may need more vitamin D. Also, those who follow vegan, paleo, or other diets that limit or exclude certain food groups may end up creating nutritional short-falls that traditional diets do not.
The best way to find out whether you have any nutrient gaps you may need to fill is to talk to your doctor and discuss any multivitamins or supplements you are considering. Your nutritional needs will change throughout your life, so make sure to stay on top of your check-ins with your doctor.
Don’t overdo it with supplementing.
You’ll want to make sure that you’re not getting too much of any one nutrient, especially if you’re considering single-vitamin or single-mineral supplements. Keep in mind that certain nutrients should not be taken in excess and actually have established upper limits. Always read the directions given on the label and take the time to look up any ingredients that are unfamiliar to you. Some supplements contain unnecessary additives like artificial colorants, titanium dioxide, butylated hydroxytoluene and others that may be harmful to your health. If you’re in doubt about whether a supplement is right for you, consult your doctor.
Look for the right claims and certifications.
If a supplement sounds too good to be true—it probably is. Be cautious of products that claim to do it all or cure illnesses or diseases. Some products also can use misleading scientific-sounding terms. Instead, opt for products that have substantiated claims, clear descriptions and nutrient listings.
Go with what’s tried and true.
With a little research, you can find out which supplements are backed by clinical research and studies. Some companies also take it upon themselves to test and screen their products for safety and efficacy. For example, Vitalizer™ is backed by 12 clinical studies and one of the largest nutritional supplement studies, The Landmark Study. And like all Shaklee products, the ingredients in Vitalizer are quality tested and screened for contaminants to guarantee the safety of the product.
Whether you are trying to be the healthiest you can be or address specific nutritional needs, vitamins can give you the nutrients your body may be missing. Find out which supplement is best for you!
