What is the best Multivitamin?  The best multivitamin should have the twelve essential vitamins that are basic to all multivitamins.  The care components should offer 100 percent or more of the following vitamins and their current daily requirements.

*Vitamin A   *Vitamin C   *Vitamin D   *Vitamin E

*B Vitamins:  B-1 (Thiamine), B-2 (Riboflavin), Niacin, B-6, Folate (folic acid), B-12, Biotin, and Pantothenic Acid

Minerals are also important to your multivitamin.  Calcium and magnesium are vital for optimum health. However, the minerals listed below are good in a multivitamin.  You may or may not find all listed in one formula so discern which would be most beneficial to your needs.

*Calcium – bone, teeth, and heart health; aids muscle growth and transmission of nerve impulses, normalizes blood clotting; may relieve anxiety and depression related to premenstrual syndrome, may promote weight loss, control high blood pressure and lessen chances for stroke.

* Magnesium – the “master mineral” responsible for many cellular functions; aids calcium  synthesis for healthy teeth and bones, beneficial for muscles, nerves and the heart, converts blood sugar into energy; often coupled with calcium supplements – best ration of calcium to magnesium is 2 to 1.

* Potassium – aids muscle function, the nervous system, and fluid balance, Relied upon by the heart, to help regulate heartbeat.

*Iron – helps red blood cells carry oxygen in the body, strengthens immunity, assists termperature regulation.  Iron is important for women who menstruate, vegetarians, and endurance athletes.  Most multivitamins can be purchased with or without it.

*Phosphorus – assists most bodily functions including the production of collagen, which makes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, eyes and skin.

*Zinc – important for wound healing, growth and a strong immune system.

*Iodine – a trace mineral involved in energy production, thyroid hormone production, growth and development

*Selenium – a trace mineral that works synergistically with vitamin E as a powerful antioxidant

*Manganese – a trace mineral that aids digestion, is vital to the development of strong and healthy bones, supports the nervous and reproductive system, and enhances brain health.

*Chromium – a trace mineral that stabilizes blood sugar and insulin levels (protecting against diabetes);p also supports normal cholesterol levels.

*Copper – a trace mineral that helps protect the nervous system and promotes cardiovascular, bone, joint, and skin health.

For Special Needs you might cater to these demands.

*Men’s Formulas – specific for men are ingredients like saw palmetto, lycopene, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seed oil, pygeum bark extract and stinging nettle, which support prostate health.

*Women’s Formulas – target hormone balance and the female reproductive syste.  May contain:  black cohosh, phytoestrogens, blessed thistle, blue cohosh, dong quai, red raspberry, bayberry, DHEA, false unicorn, chaste tree berry, licorice root, ginger rhizome and marshmallow herb.

*Prenatal – a must have for expectant mothers, supplying extra nutrients for pregnant and lactating women.  Folic acid – at least 800 mcg – is a necessity to prevent neural tube defects.  Select formulas that are free of any artificial colo9rs, flavors, preservatives, sweeteners, yeast sugar, gluten, lactose, milk and wheat.

*Teen Formulas – general formulations of vitamins and minerals that fortify the immune system, supply energy, help clear the skin, buffer stress, and support proper development

*Children’s Vitamins – daily values specifically suited for children’s needs, to promote healthy growth and development

*Anti-aging – may contain Chinese herbs and tonics, potent antioxidants, amino acids and omega 3 fatty acids, all of which can help slow or lessen the aging process.

Liquid formulas tend to be more easily assimilated but capsules and tablets are popular as well.  Take vitamins with meals to avoid possible stomach upset unless otherwise stated.

*All information taken from “Developing Healthy Habits (A newsletter with your health in mind)  March 2010