Choosing the Right Multi for You

Most health professionals agree that everyone should take a daily multivitamin to fill in those "nutritional gaps," but with so many choices, how do you know which multi is best for you? Here is a breakdown of the basic types to help you make an informed decision:

Tablets, capsules, powders, or liquids:

The delivery form is a matter of preference and absorbability. Those who have a hard time swallowing "horse pills" may choose to take capsules, powders, or liquids. Properly made tablets and capsules will both dissolve readily in the stomach, but some believe that powder and liquid supplements are more easily assimilated. However, because of poor taste powders and liquids are often made more palatable with sweeteners and artificial ingredients.

One-a-day or multiple doses:

Many busy people prefer the convenience of a one-aday multi, but this form is best for those who are getting most of their nutrients from a healthy diet, as these usually provide only the very minimum daily values. Typically, taking three to six pills, divided throughout the day, provides larger amounts of the essential nutrients, in addition to allowing your body to consistently maintain healthy nutrient levels.

Whole food or food-based:

Whole food vitamins are "grown" in a food medium, which provides all of the cofactors needed for the body to fully assimilate the nutrients. Similarly, food-based vitamins include a food complex that may consist of fruit and vegetable concentrates. Proponents of these types say they enhance digestion and absorption of the nutrients compared to isolated forms of vitamins.

Chewables or gummies:

These are often more palatable to children, but be sure to avoid those that contain artificial ingredients and sweeteners. Children can mistake chewables and gummies for candy, so be sure to keep them well out of reach of the little ones.