One way to care for yourself is to ensure your body gets the essential nutrients it needs.
A daily multivitamin, in addition to a healthy diet, can help.
As a result, some supplement products may not contain the ingredients listed on the label.
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Multivitamins contain several vitamins and minerals in varying amounts, depending on the brand and what population it targets.
A multivitamin can be taken any time of day.
B Vitamins
Eight vitamins are included in the vitamin B complex.
All theB vitaminsare water-soluble, meaning they dissolve in water and are not stored in the body.
The B vitamins include:
B vitamins come from different food sources and have unique properties.
Vitamin A deficiency is rare in the United States.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E(alpha-tocopherol) is another fat-soluble vitamin that also acts as an antioxidant.
Vitamin E supplements typically contain only alpha-tocopherol, although mixed products are available.
High doses of alpha-tocopherol supplements have been known to cause hemorrhage (bleeding).
Vitamin K is found naturally in leafy green vegetables, vegetable oils, and some fruits.
Vitamin C also helps with wound healing and iron absorption from plant or fortified sources.
Populations at risk for vitamin C inadequacy include:
7.
Vitamin D supplements come in two main forms: vitamin D2 and vitamin D3.
Because vitamin D is fat-soluble, be sure to take it with a meal or snack containing dietary fat.
Supplemental iron is available in many forms.
High doses of supplemental iron can cause GI side effects, such as constipation and nausea.
Because calcium might interfere with iron absorption, some experts recommend takingiron supplementsseparately from calcium supplements.
It is possible to get too much supplemental iron, and iron toxicity can be life-threatening.
Keep iron supplements out of reach of children and only take what your healthcare provider recommends.
The two most common forms of supplemental calcium are calcium citrate and calcium carbonate.
Calcium carbonate is also contained in some over-the-counter antacid medications.
Calcium RDAs are:
Many people in the United States do not get enough calcium in their diets.
Magnesium supplements come in various forms.
Magnesium is also a main ingredient of many laxatives and medications for heartburn and upset stomachs.
Magnesium RDAs are:
Many people in the United States consume less than the recommended amounts of magnesium.
Supplemental zinc may interfere with magnesium absorption.
Zinc
Zincis a mineral found all throughout the body.
There are many forms of supplemental zinc, such as zinc sulfate, zinc acetate, and zinc gluconate.
It is also added to some over-the-counter nasal sprays and homeopathic cold medications.
Talk to a healthcare provider about what might be beneficial, given your unique needs.
However, sometimes supplements are needed or recommended.
Other dietary supplements to consider taking include omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and fiber.
Always talk with a healthcare provider before taking any new dietary supplements.
To ensure quality, be sure that any supplement you take has been third-party tested.
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