Multi Vitamins – So Many to Choose From, So Little Time

Let me preface this article by saying that I am not altogether against multivitamins. I do believe that they have a place in some peoples’ nutritional plans because let’s face the facts: a majority of Americans simply do not get the recommended quantities of vitamins and minerals from the foods they are currently consuming.

Now that I have that off my chest, I would just like to say that if more people ate the right foods to begin with, the multivitamin market wouldn’t be the multi-million dollar market that it is today. If you do feel the need to ingest a pill, a potion, or a powder to give your body the vitamins and minerals it craves, then you must abide by these rules:

• Rule #1: Always make sure the vitamin you choose is of the highest quality.
  Do not just grab the cheapest vitamin bottle on the shelf. Take a minute and read what you’re about to take. Some vitamins are bulked up with fillers that are unnecessary for the body. They have no nutritional merit and are simply built into the vitamin to take up space. Fillers also help the manufacturer to keep the costs low because they don’t have to put in high quality ingredients to make up the bulk of the pill or liquid. Read the labels. If you see anything that you cannot pronounce or you aren’t sure of where it originated, write it down and look it up.
• Rule #2: Figure out which type of multivitamin is right for you.
  We all have different needs and our bodies will let us know if it is deficient in a certain area. Look at your hair, your nails, your teeth and your skin. Do they look healthy? Are you deficient in iron? Maybe you are a woman who needs to up her calcium intake to prevent osteoporosis? If so, did you know that you will also need to increase your vitamin D consumption in order to properly absorb the calcium? All of these are important factors to consider when choosing the right vitamin. Again, check the labels and see what percentage of each vitamin and mineral is present. Then, do a little research and see where you need to be.
• Rule #3: Buy only organic or whole-food vitamins.
  These multivitamins will more than likely be manufactured from the best of ingredients available and can ensure the highest vitamin and mineral content. Keep in mind that most synthetic vitamins are created in a chemist’s lab and are full of chemicals that mimic actual vitamins and minerals and help the vitamin to maintain its form and integrity. Whole-food and organic vitamins are created from what their name implies – whole and organic foods. There is no crazy scientist bent over a brewing beaker.
• Rule #4: Don’t buy your multivitamins at the checkout counter or from any old supermarket.
  Most major retail chains aren’t interested in stocking top of the line multivitamins. They are much more comfortable with staying in the middle of the road and at a price point that most people wouldn’t think twice about. Trust me, you are getting what you’re paying for. Again, go online, find some reputable whole-food and organic multivitamin manufacturers and start to compare and contrast their ingredients lists. Yes, you might pay a little more but you will be getting a whole lot more benefit as well.
• Rule #5: Research not only the ingredients, but the manufacturers as well.
  Most legit manufacturers of whole-food and organic multivitamins will have well-fleshed-out websites that can provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. Also, don’t be afraid to check out blogs or vitamin sites to see what others are saying about the multivitamins you’re interested in. If a number of people can vouch for the effectiveness and likeability of a product, it’s probably a good one.

Now, with all that said, I am going to tell you which multivitamins get my recommendation, and those are Prograde Nutrition’s Multi Vitamin, VGF 25+ for Women and VGF 25+ for Men. I have found these to be made of the highest quality whole foods and pack the biggest nutritional punch. The company is also highly respected for their attention to detail and genuine interest in the health of its clientele. After following my own five rules, I think I have truly found the best of the best.  #beyonddiet #healthlifesuccess