Multivitamins?

FearlessEquestrian
FearlessEquestrian Posts: 113 Member
in Food and Nutrition
What is the users of MFP's opinion on multivitamins? I'm trying to clean up my diet -one step at a time as I have some bad habits. But noticed I wasn't getting all the minerals and vitamins I need in. In particular, iron. So what are your thoughts? I know technically we should be getting enough in from the food we eat, but is a little top up on the side okay?

Replies

  • Ironmaiden4life
    Ironmaiden4life Posts: 422 Member
    A good multi vitamin is a little extra insurance. Unfortunately though not all multis are created equally as the supplement industry is self regulated. Go for one that is USP verified so that you know you're getting exactly what the label says. Nature Made and Kirkland are both USP verified.
  • FearlessEquestrian
    FearlessEquestrian Posts: 113 Member
    I'm from NZ so I don't think they will be USP verified!
  • Kalikel
    Kalikel Posts: 9,603 Member
    I take a multi and various supplements. I'm trying to get off the multi, but my diet just doesn't give me everything I need. Not yet, anyway. It may never.

    I can't tell you what to do. Only your doctor can do that.

    Someone is bound to say that supplements do you no good. That's only true if you don't need them. Some people do. Only way to find out is to have your checkup!
  • FellyFabulous
    FellyFabulous Posts: 32 Member
    I take a multivitamin and supplements everyday. I am all for it, but as previous posters have said, check with your doctor!
  • FearlessEquestrian
    FearlessEquestrian Posts: 113 Member
    Yes! Everyone has different opinions. Was just seeing if people consider them a waste of money. Going by MFP I only get in like 10-30% of my iron, vit a and a few other's needs.

    In the long run I hope to eat whole, healthy foods with lots of veg and lean meat to get it up to 70-100% but I'm still new, and my current lifestyle makes eating healthy and correct very hard!
  • MonkeyMel21
    MonkeyMel21 Posts: 2,396 Member
    You shouldn't have any negative side effects from adding in a multi vitamin, unless I'm mistaken. Too much iron can make you constipated though.
  • FearlessEquestrian
    FearlessEquestrian Posts: 113 Member
    And yes again. I should really go get a check up. But hoping to shrink my sugar intake before hand and get into a better lifestyle so it is a little more accurate :smile:
  • CSARdiver
    CSARdiver Posts: 6,252 Member
    If you have a diagnosed deficiency they are necessary. If you have a dietary deficiency they can be helpful. Most people don't have this which is why people who use a multivitamin have such pretty urine.

    About the only real deficiency in the general population is with Omega 3 fatty acids.

    They hold minimal risk which is why they are unregulated, but ensure you drink plenty of water if you do decide to take one.
  • Ironmaiden4life
    Ironmaiden4life Posts: 422 Member
    FearlessEquestrian wrote: »
    I'm from NZ so I don't think they will be USP verified!

    Do some research NZ may have a similar independent testing and verification company to help you in your buying choice.
  • Ironmaiden4life
    Ironmaiden4life Posts: 422 Member
    CSARdiver wrote: »

    They hold minimal risk which is why they are unregulated, but ensure you drink plenty of water if you do decide to take one.

    ALL supplements are self regulated by the company's making them hence the reason they can get away with duping the consumer by using low quality ingredients.... prime example the recent nitrogen and amino spiking of protein supplements.

    Agreed on the water, nothing worse than an upset stomach from your vitamin tablet....ack!

  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    FearlessEquestrian wrote: »
    I'm from NZ so I don't think they will be USP verified!

    Do you have the swisse brand of vitamins over there? I'm in Australia, and swisse seems to come out on top in my "research"...

  • ahoy_m8
    ahoy_m8 Posts: 3,053 Member
    edited July 2015
    A couple years ago, my doctors (GP and GYN) both suggested adding a multi at annual checkups. US studies (epidemiological) released since then show no disease or life expectancy improvement with long term multivitamin use, and maybe even suggest slightly higher morbidity. I don't think they'll hurt you, but I question how much they help given the realities of bioavailability and absorption. Nonetheless, I do take one daily, FWIW.

    I posted this on another thread earlier today. It argues supplements matter less than other factors. http://rippedbody.jp/complete-diet-nutrition-set-up-guide/
  • kikispel
    kikispel Posts: 1 Member
    I use Trader Joe's women's high potency multivitamin. My personal trainer suggested them after she tried them out and noticed how improved/reduced her monthly feminine symptoms became compared to other brands. So, I switched from Alive Raw and tried it out. I love 'em! It works for me because I have so many food allergies. Most brands of vitamins/supplements include soy in their ingredients and I'm allergic. Yes! I did notice significant improvement regarding my monthly female symptoms. In particular reduced mood swings and little to no cramping and/or bloating. I also increased my greens (kale, romaine and spinach, for me) intake to aid in getting more iron. I throw them in smoothies and salads and on my sandwiches. When I pan cook I use a cast iron skillet too.
  • z304
    z304 Posts: 84 Member
    I take a multi. My doc recommends them, I test low iron on and off, and I tested low for vitamin D recently too so I'm on a multi plus D-3 pills until I finish this bottle and switch to a better brand of multis that includes the D-3.
  • kimmiebrito
    kimmiebrito Posts: 40 Member
    TAKE THEM!!! In my health class, there were basically like no cons to taking them. Just many pros.. Especially if you're not reaching your micronutrient goals.

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