Do you know if you’re getting enough vitamins in your diet?

If you’re not sure, you shouldn’t just go buy a multivitamin and start taking it. There are chances of getting “too much of a good thing,” which can turn into a bad thing.

Before you start a regimen of multivitamins, take some time to understand what vitamins do in your body.

Talk to your doctor about concerns of vitamins toxicity, as well as vitamin deficiencies. And, of course, read the following to better understand what vitamins do for you and why you should be taking them (as well as why you shouldn’t).

The Effectiveness of Multivitamins

Are multivitamins effective?

How effective a vitamin basically depends on you, how you’re taking it, and whether or not your body even needs it.

As with any medication, it’s helpful to take your vitamins at the same time every day – this helps keep it steadily going through your system.

If your body is stocked enough of vitamin D, it will stop absorbing it, or it will absorb too much and cause toxicity.

Consider how much vitamins you’re getting from your normal diet before you consider taking a multivitamin. Keep track of your meals – of you already eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, healthy meats, low-fat dairy, and whole grains – you probably already get all the vitamins and nutrients you need (unless your body isn’t absorbing them properly).

There’s also the chance that you could be deficient in a certain vitamin, which could be causing health issues. It’s important to get a medical diagnosis, so you know how much of a particular vitamin to take in order to help you.

Plus, your doctor can work to discover what’s causing your deficiency (poor diet, medications, etc.).

Types of Multivitamins

There are numerous types of multivitamins. Some contain different combinations of vitamins, while some have a little something extra added. You can find multivitamins with iron and multivitamins with calcium, a couple of ingredients not normally included in a multivitamin.

Multivitamins can contain any of the following (plus some) – vitamins A, B1 to B12, C, D2 or 3, E, and even K. They also might include borate, beta-carotene, iodine, potassium, selenium, manganese, magnesium, and zinc.

Which type you choose depends on the vitamins you need – but if you are only low on one thing, you may want to consider taking that single vitamin or mineral instead of a multi.

Best Multivitamins for Adults

There are many brands of multivitamins out there, and there is a type for everyone. Here are four of the best adult multivitamins, as well as who they’re made for.

1. Best Multivitamins for Women

Women need different vitamins than men. Women’s body’s do different things, so they require vitamins and nutrients that help with those parts that are different between the exes.

The best women’s multivitamins on the market is Nature’s Way Alive! Women’s. The one-a-day multivitamin contains 60 vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are food-based and specifically chose for women’s health, including essential nutrients for energy, eye health, bone health, and an immune boost.

2. Best Multivitamins for Men

For men, Nature Made Multi for Him contains 22 essential nutrients every guy needs. You can get this multivitamin without iron, which you don’t need unless you’re low on it in the first place. This blend has all you need to promote overall health and wellness.

3. Best Multivitamins for Seniors

As you age, you’ll find that your body begins to have different needs. You may not produce all the vitamins and nutrients you were able to when you were younger, so you need supplements to stay healthy.

Costco’s Kirkland Signature Mature Multi 50+ is a top-rated multivitamin for seniors. For one thing, it has an extra dose of vitamin D in it for protecting against osteoporosis. It also contains many other important vitamins and nutrients, including B12.

4. Best Multivitamins for Body Builders and Athletes

If you’re working out and putting a lot of strain on your muscles and your body, you want a multi that will protect your body. You get that with Orange Triad. This multivitamin contains vitamins and nutrients that help lower inflammation, keep your joints lubricated, and more.

Bodybuilders also want to get a lot of extra protein, since it’s believed to help bulk up muscle. Whey powder is the best way to get this. Whey is derived from milk.

Best Multivitamins for Children

When it’s time for your child to start taking a daily multivitamin, pass on the Flintstones and consider giving them Naturelo. This chewable multivitamin for kids contains whole foods, all the vitamins and nutrients growing children need, and no artificial colors or preservatives.

When you’re looking for multivitamins for kids, chewables are no longer the only option. They can get them in fun gummy forms as well. Just make sure you’re buying children’s multivitamins that are colored using natural colorants (like beet juice) instead of unnatural dyes – especially if you want to be healthy and avoid allergic reactions (many people are allergic to red dyes).

Is It Time for Your Multivitamin?

If you’re not sure if a multivitamin is right for you or your family, talk to your doctor.

A medical professional can do tests to see if you’re low on any of the essential vitamins and nutrients that your body needs for optimal health.

Remember – you don’t always need extra of a vitamin and sometimes taking too much can be bad for your health.