Preparation
There are so many factors that go into choosing the right multivitamin for you—your age, your overarching lifestyle, your dietary preferences—but according to registered dietitian and Future fitness trainer Greg Farris, quality control is the first thing to consider. “Consumers should purchase from companies who show evidence of third-party tests to ensure what’s on the label matches what’s in the product, and that their product is free of contamination,” he says. This information is usually featured prominently on the bottle: “Look for stickers on the product that note third-party testing. Two of the most popular third-party tests are GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and NSF (National Sanitation Foundation),” he notes.
Once you’ve guaranteed the formula, Farris says to scan the ingredient list; it should contain both fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins. “The fat-soluble vitamins are A, D, E, and K; water-soluble vitamins include vitamin C and the family of B vitamins,” he says. Vitamin D is particularly critical, he adds, since “numerous studies show that over half of Americans are deficient in vitamin D due to our lifestyles shifting indoors. Compound this with the fact that sufficient vitamin D is incredibly difficult to obtain through whole-foods alone, and it makes it crucial to supplement for most individuals.”
Here’s the thing: While multivitamins are important, Farris says they shouldn’t replace a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. “I know this is said over and over, but it’s the truth,” he says. “A diet high in fruits and vegetables has benefits far outside of the vitamins and minerals they contain.” For example, fruits and vegetables are high in fiber and water content, which play a huge role in decreasing hunger and cravings throughout the day. “That’s a benefit you’re only going to get from eating whole-foods—not popping a pill,” he says. Farris likes to tell his clients that multivitamins should be thought of as an insurance policy, not a foundation. Ahead, some tried-and-true options to help you reach peak health.
Women’s Multivitamin with Folic Acid: OLLY Women’s Multivitamin GummiesVegan and Organic Women’s Multivitamin: Supplements Studio Daily Vegan Whole Food Multivitamin PlusWomen’s Multivitamin with Biotin: One A Day ″VitaCraves″ Women’s Multivitamin GummiesAllergy-Free Women’s Multivitamin: SmartyPants Women’s Formula Gummy MultivitaminsWomen’s Multivitamin with Collagen: Nature’s Bounty Women’s Gummy Multivitamin
