Confused About Vitamins? Here’s How to Choose the Right One for You

Most health experts would say that having a balanced diet is the best way to ensure your body meets its nutritional goals. But we all know that life gets in the way, which can lead to moments of unhealthy binges and dietary gaps. So how can you fill those gaps when that happens? By taking vitamins.

These supplements can give your body help to function efficiently. But the issue many face is finding one that fulfills all their needs. Whether you’re looking for a men’s multivitamin, prenatal multivitamin, or a supplement for a specific function in your body, here’s how to choose the right one for you.

Find Out if You Need Vitamins

Before you consider taking multivitamins, it’s important to note they aren’t there to replace your dietary needs. Remember, they are supplements, meaning they supply what your body needs in times when you can’t do so yourself. But it’s always better to eat a well-rounded diet of fruits, proteins, and vegetables than take a multivitamin to offset their lack.

Furthermore, it’s better to consult with your doctor if you’re considering taking them. Talk to a doctor if:

  • You plan on getting pregnant
  • Your diet is lacking in certain areas
  • Have certain health conditions
  • You’re older than 50

Review Your Body’s Deficiencies

After speaking to your doctor, they may recommend a blood test to confirm where your body is lacking the most. For example, you may have outlined a list of non-life threatening issues, and they may encourage you to take a men’s multivitamin. On the other hand, you could be lacking in potassium, and they’ll suggest you take a vitamin specifically for that issue.

Either way, it’s essential to visit a doctor to figure out what your body needs. Sometimes your body needs help, and that’s fine. It’s better to be prepared than face a hiccup in the future.

Ignore Special Claims

Caring for your body is something everyone should take seriously, and using vitamins can help with that. Everyone has different needs and goals when taking supplements, so they often look for ways to speed up the process. One of those methods is opting for products with “special claims” attached to their label.

You should avoid these items at all costs. So if you see a men’s multivitamin saying it will “cure a disease” or has a “money back guarantee,” stay far away from it. Those supplements are dangerous and should not be trusted. They probably aren’t high-quality if they don’t fall under the FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practices.

Visit Credible Sources for More Information

As noted in the last section, information about vitamins can easily get misconstrued, causing harm to your well-being. So here are some ways to check if the product you plan on using is legit:

  • Find credible sources: Try to find scientific studies about how well the supplement works—you can easily find them in the National Institutes of Health PubMed database (NIH)
  • Call manufactures: There’s no harm in contacting the company and asking if they have studies to back up their vitamin claims
  • Choose verified brands: High-quality companies will often have their product tested by a third party, so be on the lookout for vitamins labeled with NSF International or US Pharmacopeia seal of approval

Avoid Vitamins With Artificial Ingredients

It’s no secret vitamins don’t taste the best—they often leave a lingering bitter feeling in your mouth. For example, a men’s multivitamin may taste like dirt because of some ingredients. So you may be inclined to find something a little gentler on your taste buds.

However, avoiding supplements with artificial flavorings or sweeteners would be better. The purpose of vitamins is to help your body where it’s lacking, and most formulas are carefully constructed to do so. If you take a product with artificial substances, it may cause some discomfort.

Here’s How You Find the Right Vitamins for You

Whether you’re taking a men’s multivitamin, prenatal vitamin, or something more specific, finding the right product always presents a challenge. However, there are some ways to ensure you meet all of your needs.

To review, visit your healthcare provider to discuss your overall health and recommended supplements. Then do your research by looking at scientific articles regarding these products. It’s also important to verify the quality of the product by checking the labels. Your health is wealth, and the best way to ensure your body remains in tip-top shape is by avoiding things that can cause discomfort.