Vitamin Supplement Tablets Articles & Resources

1. D. Beginning at age 50, your stomach produces less acid, inhibiting vitamin [.12] absorption. To counter this problem, supplement with a B-100 complex; you can also take 425 mg of digestive enzymes before each meal to increase nutrient absorption. 2. D. Studies show that sod-ium depletes your body of the mineral calcium, so limit your sodium intake to the daily allowance: 2,400 mg. Low-fat, low-sodium, and high-protein diets don't deplete calcium, although a few studies show that eating a lot of protein may result in bone loss. 3. D. Studies show that if you take birth control pills, you may have difficulty absorbing vitamins A and C and the B vitamins. To compensate, supplement daily with 1,100 IU of A, 200 mg of C, and a B-100 complex. 4. D. To make vitamin D, your body needs about 15 minutes of sun exposure three times a week, which is hard to get during winter if you live north of 42 degrees latitude (Chicago is at about 42 degrees). To get your daily D requirement, drink a quart of fortified milk or soymilk, eat fish, or supplement with 400 IU. 5. B. Studies show that people who suffer from depression often lack B vitamins, particularly [.1], [.6], [.9], and [.12]. People who suffer from depression can counter this deficiency by taking a B-100 complex daily. 6. B. Statistics show that menopausal women are less likely to have an iron deficiency than premenopausal women, endurance athletes, or vegetarians. If you're fatigued, you might be deficient, but because too much iron can be harmful, don't supplement without first getting tested. 7. D. Cholesterol-lowering drugs like Lipitor (atorvastatin) can lower your levels of coenzyme [.10] (Co[.10]), an antioxidant that helps protect your heart. If you're taking any heart medications, consult your doctor before taking Co[.10]. 8. D. Because vitamin [.12] is only found naturally in animal foods, including eggs and milk, vegans, who don't eat eggs and dairy, tend to be deficient. If you follow a vegan diet and you don't eat fortified foods (like cereals), supplement with a B-100 complex daily.

Quick Tips

Follow this advice when you take your vitamins.

Don't Skip. Because recommended doses are for daily requirements, you need to take your vitamins every day to prevent a deficiency.

Sidestep Side Effects, If you experience side effects like diarrhea or nausea when you supplement, buy a vitamin that provides the doses in two to three tablets or capsules a day. And take your vitamin with food, which also aids absorption.

Avoid Artificial Fillers. Don't buy supplements that list sweeteners (like fructose), colors, and chemicals (like polysorbate 80 and polyethylene glycol) on the label.