Multi-Vitamins for Women

FJDodd
FJDodd Posts: 140 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Okay, I am pretty sure this has probably been asked and answered but going through the search results was tiring and fruitless.

I am trying to pay attention to sodium and fat intake right now, on top of calories. Adding in tracking all my essential vitamins etc is proving a bit much for me at the moment. I have noticed that there are several times (most of the time actually) that my calcium, potassium, iron, vit. A, etc. are all low. The only one I seem to be consistently hitting is Vitamin C. Until I learn to better identify what vitamins are in the foods I am eating, and how to better balance my meals to accommodate my vitamin/mineral intake needs, does anyone have any advice on multi-vitamins. Is one brand better than another? Is there something specific I should look for when I go to the store to buy them? Or should I just plain skip them all together? Any help is much appreciated!

Thanks!

Replies

  • Pearsquared
    Pearsquared Posts: 1,656 Member
    Keep in mind that not every food has the correct micronutrients in the database. Most of the foods are user-controlled, and they may enter "0" for the micronutrients, so you may be getting more than you think.

    In terms of multivitamins, I just take a regular multivitamin (Meijer brand, a regional store). I also take a calcium + iron supplement as recommended by my doctor.

    In short, I recommend speaking to your doctor about what he thinks you should be getting based on your current diet and age.
  • FJDodd
    FJDodd Posts: 140 Member
    Keep in mind that not every food has the correct micronutrients in the database. Most of the foods are user-controlled, and they may enter "0" for the micronutrients, so you may be getting more than you think.

    I try to go off labels or look up data on my own and input it, rather user added content and so other than a few slight exceptions, my numbers should be pretty accurate.
  • Safiyandi
    Safiyandi Posts: 151
    I hear they're all pretty much the same, although for some reason the "women's" branded ones tend to upset my stomach...

    So basically I buy the gummies because I never forget to take them.
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    I have problems with women's multivitamins upsetting my stomach, particularly if I eat a small breakfast. I'm not sure why because I can take an iron supplement without a problem and that's usually the big difference between men's and women's vitamins. I also worry about how much of that big pill is being absorbed in my bloodstream since things have a tendency to go through my digestive system very quickly. I haven't been taking a multivitamin lately but have been thinking about purchasing some. I'll be getting the gummies when I do.
  • MysteriousMerlin
    MysteriousMerlin Posts: 2,270 Member
    I take these: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Equate-Prenatal-Multivitamins-60-count/21349356

    I've been taking them for about a year now, and my nails have never been stronger. Didn't do much for my hair though.
    I always take medication after I've eaten something, and with plenty to drink.
  • CharChary
    CharChary Posts: 220 Member
    Do you know how well you digest iron by chance? I am one of those people who struggles really hard digesting it. I was taking a multivitamin that contained about 18 mg which is considered to be 100% and it gave me insane cramps! This is apparently common for women so be cautious.

    I switched from One a Day Womens to Rainbow Light Women (found at Whole Foods) and found that it didn't upset my stomach so much. I have no idea why because the iron content wasn't different.

    just try different ones out/read labels/take with food and find what works best for you dear!
  • girl_w_2_forks_and_a_knife
    girl_w_2_forks_and_a_knife Posts: 19 Member
    Suggest talking with your doctor. Sometimes our bodies don't absorb all the nutrients and vitamins as we desire. Some follks don't get enough and that's way we see products fortified with certain vitamins and whatnot. Also, in order for one vitamin to work, you may need to add in other vitamin so that your body absorbs it effectively. For example, taking iron with vitamin C will help with absorption. Just have your doctor run a test and talk to him/her. I think that alot of it also has to do with your eating lifestyle/regimen.
  • pdxevergreen
    pdxevergreen Posts: 8 Member
    OK< getting your nutrients thru food is the best way to do it....if you are looking for additional help try http://premiumhealthsupplements.net/
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    I use a store brand one, when I remember to take it (so once a week, maybe).

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