How to Pick the Best Multivitamin for You

Choosing a multivitamin can be tough; with so many different kinds for men, women, seniors, dieters, smokers. So here are a few tips to help you sift through the choices.

To compare brands, start by checking the back label. Look for 100% of the Daily Values for all vitamins and most minerals except calcium.

A full dose of calcium would make a multivitamin too big to swallow.

Some multis try to seduce you with extra amounts of some vitamins and minerals.

It's not clear whether mega doses are any better for your health than the recommended daily values - but we do know they can do harm, especially if you already get plenty of the nutrient through foods or other supplements.

Also, look for the letters USP on the bottle. This means the tablets have passed lab tests for purity and they'll dissolve properly in the stomach.

Get a queasy feeling after taking a multi? Try a different brand or take it with a meal. Food helps your stomach better absorb many vitamins.

Make sure you store your vitamins in a cool, dry place-not your steamy bathroom. And keep them out of the reach of children

There is some disagreement about whether healthy people really need multivitamins, so if you have any questions about your personal situation, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This entry last modified on: January 11, 2012 1:58 PM