5 tips to consider when choosing the right multivitamins

Multivitamins have become one of the most important nutritional necessities in today’s world. Even after eating healthy meals, one does not always get all the essential vitamins and minerals, which is especially true today because of busy lifestyles, processed foods, and environmental factors. So, in such cases, how can one determine which multivitamins are suitable for one’s health? Here are some tips to help one choose the right ones.

Check for USP verification
One should check for the USP-verified seal of a nonprofit organization called the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention. This seal ensures that the multivitamins are pure and contain the ingredients listed on the label. One can also check for other quality verifications, like NSF International, which ensures proper contents, and Consumerlab, which evaluates purity and contamination.

Understand physical requirements
Before taking multivitamins, one should get a health evaluation to determine one’s specific nutritional needs. Many women over 30, for example, or older adults may need calcium and vitamin D, while premenopausal women may need more iron. Nutrient requirements depend on age, gender, medical condition, and other environmental and lifestyle factors.

Know about micronutrients
Apart from the well-known nutrients like calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin C, and potassium, there are also other micronutrients to be aware of. These include vitamin A or beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin B6, B12, and folate, niacin, thiamin, zinc, and selenium.

Check the Daily Value (DV)
Check the label and select ingredients close to 100% of the Daily Value. Some multivitamins like calcium, magnesium, and potassium may be too bulky to fit into that count that meets the daily requirement and may require additional consumption. One should avoid a multivitamin that exceeds 100% since that may accumulate in the body and turn potentially toxic.

Suitability and health goals
Specific vitamins may be needed to help with specific deficiencies or conditions. For example, Biotin or vitamin B7 may be useful for hair growth, while vitamins A, C, E, and D and antioxidant compounds may improve skin health. Similarly, specific vitamins may address health issues like bone strength, immune support, or cardiovascular health. One should choose the one that meets one’s health goals.