1. Multivitamins Should Not Replace Healthy Eating

Some women fall prey to the myth that if they take a vitamin, they can eat whatever they want. That’s simply not true. A multi can help you meet your needs, especially if you’re a vegetarian or you have food allergies or intolerances. However, it should never replace a healthy and well-balanced diet. When you’re choosing a vitamin, make sure you pick one that isn’t overdosing you on nutrients. Vitamins shouldn’t contain more than 100% of the daily intake recommendation for anything unless directed by a doctor.

2. Understand That the FDA Doesn’t Regulate Multivitamins

The United States Food and Drug Administration does not regulate vitamins like they do other medications. That means that the manufacturers of the multivitamins don’t have to prove the safety of their products. That means you need to do the research before you grab one of the store shelves. Talk to your doctor about what a good choice is for you.

3. Forget “Niche” Vitamins

These are vitamins that are sold for a specific purpose, say more energy or to lower stress. There is no definitive proof that these blends actually work and furthermore these products might not contain much in the way of nutrients, but are instead packed with fillers. Instead, choose a vitamin that is for good overall health to cover all your bases.

4. Watch for the Amounts of Vitamin a

Like I mentioned above, you must be careful not to overdose on certain nutrients. Some of them, including vitamin A can be toxic in large doses. You’ve got to be cautious that you don’t overdo it or you could be compromising your health instead of helping it. The lesson: read the labels really well before buying.

5. Consider What else You’re Taking before Buying a Vitamin

If you take any other kind of vitamin or supplement, you need to be sure you know that they won’t interfere with one another. In some cases, this can be very dangerous to your health so it pays to talk it over with your doctor before staring a multivitamin regimen. For example, vitamin E can lead to serious complications when take with blood thinners.

6. Think about the Delivery Method so You’ll Actually Take the Vitamin

Can’t stand swallowing whole pills? You’re probably better off choosing a gummy vitamin in that case. When you buy a bottle of multivitamins, you want to be sure you’re taking them as dosed by your doctor. If you don’t like the delivery method, you might find yourself skipping your multi more often than not. You have several options, including pills, gummies, chews and more so there’s got to be something that works for you.

7. Do You Have Certain Health Conditions?

If you are at a certain age, are pregnant or suffer from nutrient deficiencies, those factors should absolutely play a role in the multi you choose. Again, it’s imperative to work this out with your physician so you can benefit from your vitamin without worrying about your health.

Do you take a multivitamin? What other advice can you add for choosing one?