With multi-vitamins being so important, which multi-vitamins would be best suitable for my daily needs?
It all depends on a number of factors. First off, men and women each have different daily needs. With this being so, there are men's and women's vitamins. Men's vitamins, for instance, with normally have a higher percentage of zinc, since zinc has the effect on the masculinity and testosterone production. This is the main reason why oysters are considered an aphrodisiac, especially for men. They contain an astonishing amount of zinc. Women's vitamins would most likely contain more iron, since they lose iron monthly from menstruation. Also, you may find genistein, commonly found in soy, in women's vitamins since it has the effect of keeping women's bones strong and healthy. This is especially key as a women ages, since their bodies will make less and less of estrogen, which keeps the bones strong and prevents them from becoming brittle and weak. Other than a few other differences, men's and women's vitamins are basically the same or very similar.
They key of picking out the most suitable multi-vitamin is to take note of your specific daily needs, then simply do some research, maybe online or shopping through some vitamin stores to find the product perfect for you. Let's say you suffer front joint pain and maybe have arthritis. Finding a multi-vitamin with glucosamine and chondroitin may be the best product for you, since glucosamine and chondroitin will help with that joint pain.
If your a bodybuilder, athlete, or a particularly active person, your choice of vitamins may be different than others. You normally would want to choose a vitamin with higher than 100% daily value of zinc and extra rich in B vitamins. B vitamins may also be a key thing to look for if you have chronic feelings of tiredness, since B vitamins aid in energizing your body. The addition of some amino acids may not be a bad idea either if you are an active individual. If you have trouble digesting, try and find a multi-vitamin which contains digestive enzymes such as lipase etc. If you are a vegetarian, pick a multi-vitamin containing the vitamins and minerals that are commonly found in meats and what is missing in your diet.
What decides if a certain multi-vitamin is good or not?
Every mutli-vitamin should contain:
Calcium: at least a certain amount, but does not have to be 100% since calcium should be commonly acquired at meals throughout the day to be most effective.
Iron: aids red blood cells to carry oxygen.
Magnesium: aids in muscle and nerve function.
Phosphorus: promotes healthy bones and teeth.
Potassium: aids in the function of the muscle and nervous systems and water balance in the blood and body tissues.
Zinc: helps to build a strong immunity, growth, and healing. Plays a role in the production of sex hormones such as testosterone (key for muscle building and fat loss).
Also: chromium, copper, and selenium
Vitamins: A, B-1 B-2 B-3 B-6 B-12, C, D, E, and folic acid
These should be standard in every multi-vitamin, but check the label just in case! The daily values of each should be 100% usually, with exceptions being calcium and iron. These two are consumed throughout the day from foods. Calcium comes mainly from dairy and iron comes from red meat etc.
What are examples of good multi-vitamins?
A good standard vitamin is Centrum. The regular Centrum multi-vitamin contains all of your basic vitamins and minerals needed for the day. Basic daily values and ingredients may not be what is best for you however, for there are many other vitamins and types of different Centrum multi-vitamins to choose from.
For a bodybuilder, athlete, or active individual:
Opti-Men |
Opti-Women |
Multi Pro 32X |
Universal Animal Pak |
Mega Men Sport |
For those with joint pain and digestion help:
Controlled Labs Orange Triad |
For those with chronic tiredness:
take any pictured above or add a B-complex
*** Keep in mind that specific vitamins and minerals are sold in separate pills if you are deficient of a certain vitamin or mineral.
~~~ The examples above aren't the only, or particularly the overall best in the world without question. There are many multi-vitamins to choose from. So find the multi-vitamin that is best for you or try the ones above!
Any questions about certain multi-vitamins or other questions or concerns please contact the Healthy Fitness Guru.