Multivitamin/mineral supplements (MVMs) can’t take the place of eating a variety of healthy foods. Foods provide more than vitamins and minerals. They also contain fiber and other ingredients that may have positive health effects. But people who don’t get enough of certain vitamins and minerals from food alone might consider taking an MVM. Which MVM to choose will depend on your age, gender, dietary and health status. For example:
- Women who might become pregnant should get 400 mcg/day of folic acid from fortified foods and/or dietary supplements to reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spine in their newborn babies.
- Pregnant women should take an iron supplement as recommended by their healthcare provider. A prenatal MVM is likely to provide iron.
- People over age 50 should get recommended amounts of vitamin B12 from fortified foods and/or dietary supplements because they might not absorb enough of the B12 that is naturally found in food.
If you take prescription medication, you should check with your doctor or your Good Neighbor Pharmacy pharmacist regarding possible interactions with your MVM.
—Source: National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, February 2014
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