Starting to take a daily vitamin...suggestions?

Alyssa_Is_LosingIt wrote: »

Centrum is fine, there is no need to take additional supplements unless you're deficient.

Many people on a calorie restricted diet are deficient in micro nutrients & women who menstruate often fail to get enough iron from their diets, whether or not they are on a calorie-restricted diet. Vitamins with "USP" designation have met some quality criteria - that's all I look for.

I like the Rainbow Light ones for women. Centrum and all that is too harsh on an empty stomach, but those I can take with just water and it's fine, except I believe they have chlorophyll in them and it makes you pee green. But, it's a pretty shade of green, lol!

You guys. If you want facts, go to the source. It is no use passing on rumours.

http://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm118079.htm#regulated

Because I malabsorb some vitamins, I get blood work done and take vitamins to supplement. I find it funny that I had to switch from an over 50 women's vitamin to a pregnancy multivitamin to make sure I get enough folic acid.

It is worth it for women to check if they are iron deficient and supplement if needed.

Calcium if you have worries about Osteoporosis but the only way to confirm is with a bone scan.

Nearly everyone in the northern hemisphere benefits from added vitamin D.

I think most brands are about the same. I compared contents of several before I bought.

I order mine from pipingrock.com. I take their One Daily High Potency Coated Tablets and the High Potency Vitamin D3 5,000 IU Softgels. They have a huge variety...specific women's formulas, etc. Very cheap. I also order my psyllium husk from them...the best price I have found anywhere and great quality. Free shipping as well....and fast.

I think with restricted calorie diets for a prolonged period of time it is very different to get ALL the micronutrients you need. A supplement can help fill in any gaps. I have read conflicting things about how well they absorb over the years, but my doctor recommended I take supplements.

One piece of advice...some are better absorbed with certain foods. For example, vitamin d3 and any fat soluble vitamins absorb better if taken with a meal containing fat. Iron absorbs better if taken with orange juice. Calcium absorbs better if taken with vitamin D. Also, certain foods or vitamins can interfere with absorption of certain vitamins. Iron makes it much harder for the body to absorb calcium, so they shouldn't be taken together.

So read up on whatever you decide to take to give yourself the best chance of utilizing the contents.

I take gummies - my doc swears they absorb better. I feel great so no arguments.

I have been taking vemma. It's a liquid vitamin which absorbs into your body quicker. Comes with a shot glass, 2 bottles for a month supply but its a bit spendy. I had much more energy while on it. I believe has a nice orangy type taste. My kids take the childrens form. I hate swollowing pills and seem to forget

I like to buy USP certified vitamin/mineral supplements (tip: I noticed Nature Made has most of their offerings in USP certified forms now--they're modestly priced and available everywhere in the US--YAY!).

Verify with your physician what your needs may be (of course). Mine has me on a daily multi (for nutrition "insurance"), 5,000IU daily of D3 (I'm deficient), and 4g of fish oil daily (for my heart health/cholesterol issues).