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The need for good high-potency multiple vitamin/mineral supplements for people wanting to function optimally is becoming hard to deny. This saves the user time and expense, while providing insurance against potential unrecognized deficiencies. Of the major vitamins, some are water-soluble and some are oil-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins must be taken into the body daily, as they cannot be stored and are excreted within one to four days. These include vitamin C and the B-complex vitamins.
These include vitamins A, D, E and K. Both types of vitamins are needed by the body for proper functioning. Optimal health, however, requires optimal nutrient intake; a diet high in processed foods and those grown in increasingly depleted soils virtually guarantees the need for supplementation.
Directions
Some principles for supplement selection:- The best multiple vitamins should contain a broad range of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamins A, D, K, all of the B vitamins, and trace minerals, like boron, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, selenium, and zinc.
- Multiple vitamins should contain about 100%, but no more than 300%, of the daily RDA for each nutrient provided.
- If you are trying to increase your calcium or magnesium intake, you will probably have to take extra supplements of these nutrients since most multiples contain low amounts.
- Multiple vitamins or supplements should contain the antioxidants vitamin C (250-1,000mg), vitamin E (100-400 IU), and beta-carotene (10-30mg).
- If you want to save money, look for supplements that don't contain unnecessary ingredients like lipoic acid or enzymes, or the 'natural' products, unless you feel there is a need for them.
- If you are spending more than $10 per month on supplements, you are probably paying for unnecessary extras.
Vitamin supplements should be kept in a cool, dark place. Unless specified otherwise, oil-soluble vitamins should be taken before meals, and water-soluble ones should be taken after meals.
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