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The Best Multivitamins to Use

Finding the ideal multivitamin can be a chore. To decide on the best multivitamin for you or your loved ones, consider age, sex and any allergies or pre-existing conditions present. For example; multivitamins appropriate for children are different than those fabricated specifically for senior citizens. For best results, find a multivitamin specifically designed for the age group and sex of the person who takes it.

  1. Multivitamins for Women

    • The best multivitamin for women depend on age, as well as if they are menopausal, breast-feeding or pregnant. While menopausal women must take enough B-12, and calcium, women who are considering pregnancy should supplement their iron and folate levels with multivitamins that include iron and folic acid. "Women's Health" magazine recommends One-A-Day Women's as their pick for the best multivitamin because of it's balanced content of necessary nutrients like calcium, vitamins A, D, and K. As advised by "Woman's Day," take a multivitamin that contains approximately 100 percent of the recommended daily allowance of the following vitamins and minerals; vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, Bg, B7, B9, B12, C, D, E, and K, copper, chromium, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, selenium and zinc.

    Multivitamins for Men

    • According to Mark Moyad, MD, in "Men's Health," men following a healthy diet should take one low-dose multivitamin, whether he leads an athlete's very active lifestyle, or has a sedentary desk job, because the best results have been reported with low doses of vitamins and minerals. Per Moyad, take multivitamins that contain around 100 mcg of selenium, 120 mg of vitamin C, 30 mg of vitamin E, 6 mg of beta-carotene, and 20 mg zinc, and avoid high doses of antioxidants that can reduce internal defenses.

    Multivitamins for Children

    • Because many foods are fortified with vitamins and minerals, and because children do not need the same amount of vitamins and minerals as adults, healthy children can do without a multivitamin. But if your child has nutritional deficiencies because of picky eating habits, or other health issues, a doctor may recommend a multivitamin. Select a multivitamin designed for your child's age group that provides 100 percent of the daily value for all the vitamins and minerals recommended by your doctor. Remember, even the best multivitamin for your child can't replace proper nutrition.

    Multivitamins for Seniors

    • While health seniors may not need to take a multivitamin, older adults typically consume fewer calories and take medications that may interfere with nutrient absorption. Take multivitamins specifically oriented toward older adults to remedy any deficiencies, as recommended by your physician. Select multivitamins that fulfill 100 percent of daily values for your age group for iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, B12, folate, iron and vitamin D, to ensure you obtain minimum levels of the nutrients you need.

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