Multiple vitamin and mineral supplements (multis) are an important part
of a health maintenance program because they contain a number of essential
nutrients, and are a convenient way to take a variety of supplemental
nutrients in a single product. Of course, supplements can’t take the place
of a healthful, well-balanced diet—but they can help prevent nutritional
deficiencies that are surprisingly common, as well as achieve higher intakes
of nutrients believed to be beneficial when taken above typical dietary
levels.
Finding the “right” multi can be difficult. Perhaps you’ve walked the
aisles of a pharmacy, grocery, or health-food store trying to figure out
which of the seemingly endless supplement choices is right for you. The
following questionnaire will take the guesswork out of choosing the right
multi. After answering a few simple questions, you’ll have a much better
idea what your multivitamin/mineral supplement should contain to meet
your personal health needs.
Do you eat:
Based upon your answers, here is your suggested personalized multivitamin:
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If you are pregnant you should discuss the use of supplemental iron,
vitamin K, calcium, and perhaps other nutrients with a nutritionally
oriented physician.
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If you are a vegan you might consider discussing possible special
needs for vitamin D, iodine, zinc, and calcium with a nutritionally
oriented doctor.
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Due to your disease that might cause malabsorption, you should
consult a nutritionally oriented physician to tailor a
multivitamin/mineral supplement to meet your unique health needs.
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If you have kidney disease you should not take a multivitamin/mineral
supplement without consulting with a nephrologist (kidney specialist).