Standing in the vitamin and mineral supplement aisle of your local pharmacy, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. There are multivitamins, individual vitamins, fish oils, tablets and even chewing gums, so what you need is a quick list of the vitamin supplements everyone should consider. First and foremost, remember that no matter what vitamin or mineral supplement you decide to take, you should first consult your doctor. There may be specific recommendations or warnings to consider, as what works for you may not work for someone else, and taking unnecessary vitamins can actually be harmful to your wellbeing.
A multivitamin can be a good place to start with vitamin supplements, as it can help you maintain your general wellness as well as potentially preventing cancer, heart disease and other health problems. According to various studies, vitamin and mineral deficiency is very common, as the average diet simply doesn’t provide everything you need, and so a good multivitamin offers an easy, just-in-case form of health insurance. Make sure your multivitamin contains 100% of the 13 essential vitamins and minerals; Folate (folic acid), biotin, pantothenic acid and vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B16, and B12.
When it comes to minerals, it is important to have sufficient levels of calcium for strong, healthy muscles, bones and teeth. However, to prevent any negative side effects, and to get the full benefits of this mineral, you need to also take magnesium and vitamin D, so that your body better absorbs the calcium. If you’re already taking a multivitamin, it may already contain these other ingredients so make sure you read the labels on everything you are taking and check that you’re not overlapping and taking more than you need.
Finally, there are many health benefits of taking fish oil, as the omega-3 fatty acids it contains, known as DHA and EPA, help to keep your heart and brain functioning to their optimal levels. These fatty acids can also reduce your risk for a heart attack as they lower your levels of arterial inflammation. Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty may even help with other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, depression and more, but, as with all of these supplements, ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend an adequate dosage depending on any health risks you have, and when the best time is to take your supplements.
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