Some people take vitamins everyday, rarely missing a dosage or skipping a day. Some other people take vitamins everyday but often miss a dosage, once or twice per week, which really isn’t all that bad. Some people only remember to take their vitamins a couple times a week.

If you are part of the last group, you may not be happy with the results of your supplementation.

Supplements and vitamins work for most people but regular supplementation is essential. Perhaps it’s just as important as the quality of the product you are taking. A multi vitamin is an excellent product to be taken on a daily basis, but regular intake is a must to enjoy the benefits of any vitamin.

Most of the top-quality multi-vitamins require several tablets a days, generally in different times of the day. For example, some products require 2 tablets or capsules with each meal, breakfast, lunch and dinner, for a total of 6 tablets per day. Sounds like that’s too many tablets for you?

Well, if you know you are not going to be able to take this dosage on a daily basis, look for a product that only need to be taken twice a day or perhaps once a day.

One daily multi-vitamins have become one of the top selling products in health food stores. Hectic lifestyle is one of the reasons for that. People don’t have time to take their vitamins.

So, if you have a busy schedule and can’t keep up with more than one tablet a day, look for a product that can offer the benefits of essential vitamins and minerals in one tablet only.

 1 Comment, latest by Nessa

	Nature’s Plus Ultra One Daily Caps Iron-Free - 90 Capsules
	Super Nutrition Simply One Women Multivitamin - 90 Vegetarian Tablets
	Twinlab Daily One - 180 Capsules

We always find plenty of news about vitamin D. It’s quite easy to hear about a new study or recent report regarding this important vitamin. Moreover, the number of reports rapidly increases at this time of the year as the “D season” summer quickly approaches.

Most reports recommend that people should get outdoors and increase vitamin D production. Also called the “sunshine vitamin”, vitamin D can be produced when the body absorbs the sun’s UV-B rays.

Healthy levels of vitamin D may prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer but people do not seem to worry about this important element of our diet. Recent studies have shown that 77 per cent of Americans have insufficient levels of vitamin D.

Sun exposure does not need to be long to stimulate skin production of vitamin D. An average of 10 to 15 minutes, threes times a week should be plenty of time to produce significant levels. Don’t forget to protect your skin: always apply a reliable sun blocker. If you are concerned about skin cancer, don’t worry. Even for light-skinned people living in sunny hot areas, this short time exposure is not considered potentially dangerous for skin cancer.

If you don’t have the time to get outdoors or live in an area or the sun doesn’t shine, no worries once again. Vitamin D supplements can keep you in good shape.

A single tablet is sometimes all you need to meet your daily recommended intake of vitamin D. Products are also available in capsules, chewable tablets and liquid form.

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	NOW Foods Vitamin D Vegetarian Dry 1000 IU - 120 Vegetarian Capsules
	Rainbow Light Vitamin D 400 IU Sunny Gummies Tangy Orange - 60 Gummy(s)
	Kal Vitamin D 1000 IU Chewable Peppermint 1000 IU - 100 Chewable Tablets

A recent study has proved what most people already know: Americans lack vitamin D, falling short of the daily average recommended by Doctors.

People are aware of the importance of vitamin D but surprisingly do not get enough D from food sources or supplements.

Chronic pain is linked to low vitamin D levels, as well as cancer, heart disease and infections. Nevertheless, the average U.S. blood levels of the “sunshine” vitamin have decreased according to the survey by the National Health and Nutrition Examination published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Vitamin D production is directly affected by sun exposure because the skin has a natural ability to produce this vitamin. So, how can we increase vitamin D daily intake as well as natural production?

Let’s start with your diet. You should eat products fortified with vitamin D, such as milk, cereals and yogurt. In addition, eating fish, such as herring, cod and catfish, may increase your vitamin D intake.

Herring is a delicious fish option to be added to your diet. There are numerous ways the fish is served: raw, often used for sushi, or pickled and served with classic herring flavorings such as mustard, onion and garlic. Herring is also canned and can be served with dark rye bread or potatoes.

In fact, eating more fish is always a good idea because you can increase the amount of omega-3 fatty acids, providing several health benefits. If you don’t really like to eat fish, get outdoors.

Spending more time outdoors is a natural way of increasing this vitamin levels because vitamin D is produced in skin exposed to sunlight.

Summer is around the corner. It’s the perfect time to catch up on your vitamin D.

 1 Comment, latest by Nathan L.

	Jarrow Formulas Vitamin D-3 1000 IU - 100 Softgels
	NOW Foods Liquid Vitamin D-3 Structural Support - 2 oz.
	Hero Nutritional Products Slice of Life Vitamin D3 Adult Gummy Vitamins - 60 Gummy(s)

A recent study has showed another important reason to maintain high levels of vitamin B-12.

Pregnant women who don’t get enough vitamin B-12 may have a greater risk of delivering a baby with birth defect, according to the study published in the March issue of Pediatrics.

The lack of vitamin B-12 in the human system may cause several health issues, including anemia, stress and depression.

Women should be extra careful as they may face a different problem particularly if they plan to have babies.

In the study of nearly 1,200 women, the results showed that women with the lowest B-12 levels were five times as likely to have a baby with a neural tube defect compared with mothers with the highest levels.

People should be able to get enough vitamin B-12 from their diet. Rich sources of B-12 include many animal foods, such as meat, cheese, eggs, fish and milk.

However, vegetarians could be lacking this important vitamin because vegan sources do not provide sufficient quantities of B-12. Vegans could become deficient after many years of low intake of B-12.

In addition, women with intestinal problems may also struggle to absorb nutrients and could have vitamin deficiency.

The solution may be pretty simple: take a vitamin B12 supplement, B-Complex or a multi-vitamin. Most products supply significant amounts of vitamin B-12 and can boost your energy levels as well.

Photo credit: www.themillhouse.org

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	NOW Foods B-12 Liquid B-Complex - 2 oz.
	Carlson Labs B-12-SL Sublingual 1000 mcg. - 180 Tablets
	Enzymatic Therapy B-12 Infusion (formerly Bioactive-B12) Bioactive-B12 - 30 Chew(s)

It seems like a new study about vitamin D is published every week.

The focus is not always on the same subject and the results are often very different from study to study.

The only common point, however, is the numerous benefits from taking vitamin D on a daily basis.

Most people know the most important role of the fat-soluble Vitamin D is maintaining blood levels of calcium. This process is accomplished by increasing absorption of calcium from food or supplements and reducing urinary calcium loss. Therefore, calcium is kept in the body and stored in bones, resulting in stronger and healthier bones and teeth.

Moreover, vitamin D may support many other areas in the human system. It’s an essential element to prevent high blood pressure, particularly for people who live in cold climate areas. The lack of exposure to the sunlight reduces the natural production of vitamin D in the skin.

Vitamin D also balances the immune system, preventing it from being sluggish or hyperactive. Inadequate D may lead to autoimmune disorders in which the body attacks itself.

Lastly, lack of vitamin D is associated with choric pain and muscle weakness. Active people should have enough D from their diet and supplements to prevent potential problems and increase muscle strength.

Most people may take 400 IU per day, a safe amount for adults, but remember: the total daily intake includes vitamin D from milk and other fortified foods, supplements and sunlight.

Like the old saying in sports, “Defence” wins championships. Vitamin D is the best defence for your health.

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	LifeTime Vitamins Liquid D3 Mixed Berry Flavor - 16 oz.
	Nature’s Life Vitamin D-3 400 IU - 100 Softgels
	Nature’s Plus Cal/Mag/Vit D 1200 Mg/600 Mg/1000 IU with Vitamin K2 - 90 Tablets

Many people take a multi vitamin to obtain vitamins and minerals missing from their diet. The idea of supplementation is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Nevertheless, people are different and eat various different types of diet. Keep in mind when shopping for your multi vitamin: the more specific the multi is, the more benefits you will get from the product.

For example, men and women are different and do not need to take the same vitamins. Some products are intended to men and have the main vitamins and minerals essential for a healthy life, based on an average male diet and body composition.

The idea of a multi vitamin for men only may be essential to support several health complications only men may experience.

Several men would like to prevent prostate problems. A good number of products for men are adding key ingredients such as saw palmetto and pygeum to support this very common problem for the male population.

In addition, some companies are fortifying their products with additional ingredients to support active lifestyle. Amino acids and natural fat burners are found in several multi vitamin formulas for men. The idea could reduce the number of tablets some men are taking on a daily basis without reducing the results.

Overeating and excessive drinking are problems men face regularly but are not likely to be prevented or treated with supplements or vitamins.

Exercise is still the ultimate factor for a healthy body. Sports supplements could be the key to achieve your fitness goals.

 3 Comments, latest by Davidungart

	Only Natural For Men Only II - 2 Tablets
	Futurebiotics Hi Energy Multivitamin For Men - 60 Tablets
	Enzymatic Therapy Doctor’s Choice For Men - 90 Tablets

You don’t need to be a parent to know that teenagers are normally difficult. We all go through this challenging phase in our lives and eventually change from kids to adults.

Teenagers tend to eat very poorly and their unhealthy diet may affect the early years of adult life.

Fast food is the most common thing on the menu for breakfast, lunch and, sometimes, dinner.

It’s very difficult for parents to control their teens eating habits because of the nature of their actions. Teenagers face various changes in a relatively short time. Changing their diet is perhaps the biggest challenge.

Parents struggle to get their teens to eat better and one would think it is nearly impossible to have a teenager taking supplements but that’s not always the case.

One of the best things to do is to explain the importance of taking a multi vitamin to prevent future health issues. Poor diets lack important vitamins and minerals, which may cause several problems for teenagers and early adults and it’s not a bad idea to point that out.

A supplement such as a multi vitamin for teens may help with this issue. But even supplementation may be risky for a teenager’s confused mind. Don’t let your teens think they can eat whatever they want because they are taking a multi.

Yes, it helps, but it does not stop all the potential problems from eating unhealthy fast food all the time.

Educating your kids about eating habits is essential for their future. A teen multi may help and could be the difference for the early stages of their lives.

 2 Comments, latest by Hand Me Downs

	Nature’s Plus Source Of Life Power-Teen - 180 Tablets
	Enzymatic Therapy Doctor’s Choice For Male Teens - 120 Tablets
	Enzymatic Therapy Doctor’s Choice For Female Teens - 120 Tablets

Good multi vitamins are normally very complete products.

The majority of the top quality products offer all the important vitamins as well as the essential minerals, antioxidants, plus an additional herbal blend. Multi vitamins are generally an important addition to any diet.

Many people are not able to eat properly to maintain a healthy diet and should take a vitamin to compensate the lack of nutrients.

However, most people taking supplements tend to eat fairly well. On the other hand, people eating poorly rarely take any vitamins.

Several reasons can be pointed out as the “excuse” not to take a multi. The most common one: I always forget to take my tablets.

It is true that most good multi vitamins suggested intake is from four to six tablets daily. So, if you cannot remember to take many tablets a day, we need to have an alternative plan in order to maximize results.

If you know you are not going to be able to take multiple tablets on a daily basis, then, you shouldn’t buy a very complete multi. Companies are making several different types of multi vitamins requiring only one tablet per day.

The “One Daily Formula” has become one of the top seller products nationwide. It’s a great idea because most products still provide a significant amount of vitamins and minerals in one single tablet.

So, if you frequently forget to take your supplements of if you do not wish to take more than one tablet a day, one daily formulas may be the best choice for you.

 2 Comments, latest by Kel

	Rainbow Light Just Once Multivitamin Iron-Free - 120 Tablets
	Nature’s Plus Ultra I Multi Nutrient Supplement Iron-Free Sustained Release - 60 Tablets
	Solaray Once Daily High Energy Multi-Vitamin - 180 Capsules

Many people may not know but one type of supplement can support and improve three things at once: hair, skin and nails.

People often take health and beauty supplements to improve on the “beauty” part of the human body, in other words, to look better.

It’s actually quite normal when people try to achieve better and, sometimes, younger “looks”. Everybody does it at some point in life, nothing wrong with that.

However, people should really take supplements for the “health” part of it, in other words, to have healthier hair, skin and nails.

The secret of the “hair, skin and nail formulas” is a perfect combination. Most products are almost like a multi vitamin combined with powerful herbs such as horsetail leaf extract, saw palmetto, Siberian ginseng, Gotu kola and aloe vera. The majority of products have biotin, a vital vitamin to support healthy hair.

Some of the most common herbal nutrients are Gotu kola and horsetail, two plants with a long history of use for skin, hair and nail. Horsetail, a nutritive plant full of important minerals, is standardized to supply 5.6 mg silica per dose.

Healthy skin, hair and nails are important not only to appearance, but as an indication of internal health. The majority of formulas promote tissue strength, shine and texture.

Interesting fact: hair is composed of dead cells, as are your fingernails, explaining why it does not hurt when you have either cut. 

So, if you are like most people looking to have clear skin, strong nails and shiny healthy hair, a “triple” supplement may be what you need to accomplish your goals.

 1 Comment, latest by morgan4246

	Shen Min Women’s Hair, Skin & Nail Formula - 90 Capsules
	Natrol Skin Hair Nails - 60 Capsules
	Irwin Naturals Nutrient Rich Healthy Skin & Hair plus Nails - 60 Softgels

Many people wish they could carry a “quick guide” when going to a store or online to shop for vitamins and supplements.

There are so many choices for everything, and also so many names that most people are not familiar with. For example, when shopping for vitamin C, several customers often wonder what Ester-C is.

That’s when you wish you could find the answers for all the following questions in one single place. What is Ester-C? Is it better than Vitamin C? Does it really have better absorption? Do I really need to take it? How does it work in the human system?

Ester-C is a unique form of buffered Vitamin C with metabolites.

Metabolites are compounds derived from nutrients that are normally created in the body. These metabolites activate the vitamin C molecules making it easier for the body to transport them from cell to cell for several health benefits.

The main benefit of taking Ester-C is its quick absorption and the 24-hour retention in the immune system.

Many people do not tolerate vitamin C due to the acidity. Ester-C, however, is a combination of non-acidic vitamin C in conjunction with metabolites to increase the levels of retention of vitamin C by the blood cells and tissues.

As a result, people struggling taking regular vitamin C can tolerate a pH neutral product such as Ester-C.

Some products may also add a blend of bioflavonoid, acerola, rose hips and rutin for a superior product.

 1 Comment, latest by Stacie

	American Health Ester-C 500 mg. - 225 VEGETARIAN TABLETS
	Solgar Ester-C Plus Vitamin C 1000 mg. - 90 Tablets

Tablets are the most common way of taking supplements. Most people take their vitamins and minerals everyday and do not have any problem swallowing tablets and, sometimes, capsules.

Some products are also available in alternative forms such as liquid, softgels, or powder, but the majority of products are made in tablets.

Multi vitamins are the most traditional supplements since it combines all the important vitamins and essential minerals. Some people, however, have a difficult time ingesting tablets through the throat because of the huge size of the tabs.

Companies generally make large tablets trying to add as many ingredients as possible to one single tablet. Most multi vitamins add antioxidants, amino acids, herbs and natural extracts to their formula, creating a very complete product. That’s a great idea because customers get more nutrition out of one single tablet. The problem is the size of this table because most people normally find it very difficult to swallow.

So, supplement manufactures have found the solution for this problem: mini tablets.

Mini tabs provide a very complete product in a much small size and easy to swallow product. The only downside is the higher number of tablets needed for a single dosage. But it’s still a much safer and practical product than huge tablets, which sometimes need to be crushed or split in order to get them down to the stomach.

If you are struggling with big size tablets, give the mini guys a shot and enjoy the same benefits from a much smaller supplement.

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	Nature’s Plus Source Of Life Mini Tabs No Iron - 180 Tablets
	Nature’s Plus Source Of Life Mini-Tabs - 90 Tablets

Some questions about supplements are always intriguing. The group called B-Complex has several members but some of those are not really vitamin B.

Is choline a type of vitamin B?

Technically no. Choline is an organic compound, classified as a water-soluble essential nutrient and usually grouped within the Vitamin B complex. Choline may help to reduce the blood levels of homocysteine and prevent heart disease.

It may also help fighting Alzheimer’s disease, bipolar disorder and gallbladder attacks.

The majority of the B-Complex products have significant amounts of choline in their formulas, but it is also found in some multi vitamins.

Choline supplements are often taken to support the role that the neurotransmitter acetylcholine plays in various cognition systems within the brain. Choline helps on the building block, producing the neurotransmitter. Research suggests that memory, intelligence and mood are mediated at least in part by acetylcholine metabolism in the brain.

In addition, choline can help fighting another serious concern: weight loss. Its role in lipid metabolism may reduce body fat, increasing the rate at which fat is metabolized.

Several food sources contain high levels of choline, such as soybeans, oatmeal, cabbage and cauliflower. Eggs, liver and meat also have choline but amounts are less significant.

Choline may not be the most important vitamin missing from your diet. However, its addition on a B-Complex is essential to support and improve the reaction from its more significant “cousins” such as vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folic acid.

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	Nature’s Way Choline 500 mg. - 100 Tablets
	Jarrow Formulas Citicoline (CDP Choline) 250 mg. - 60 Capsules

Pantothenic acid is a water-soluble vitamin required to sustain life. Also called vitamin B5, pantothenic acid is an essential nutrient involved in the cycle of energy production and needed for neurotransmitter production.

In addition, it is a key element for several functions of the human body such as producing, transporting and releasing energy from fats as well as synthesis of carbohydrates and proteins.

Pantothenic acid is an essential element for the synthesis of cholesterol, also activating the adrenal glands. Panthetine is a byproduct of pantothenic acid and has been reported to lower blood levels of cholesterol.

Both products, pantothenic acid and pantethine, have been used to reduce high cholesterol levels as well as high triglycerides, and may also support rheumatoid arthritis acne, and lupus.

Only a few foods have high concentration of panthothenic acid. Royal jelly (a honey bee secretion that is used in the nutrition of the larvae) and salmon are the most significant sources. Liver, yeast, dairy, eggs grains and meat also provide reasonable amounts of this type of vitamin B.

However, supplementation is necessary for significant results. Researchers have been using pantethine to reduce cholesterol with doses from 500mg to 1000mg a day being recommended. The same dosage has been used to fight high triglycerides. Multi vitamins provide anywhere between 10mg to 25mg, normally enough to improve acid status.

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	Nature’s Way Pantothenic Acid 250 mg. - 100 Capsules

Inositol is a member of vitamin B group and is required for proper formation of cell membranes. Also known as vitamin B8, inositol is essential for the transportation of fat in the body.

Studies have showed that inositol deficiency may cause hypertension, hair loss, gastritis and liver complications.

Inositol is commonly used to fight anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Several B-Complex products have inositol in combination with all the other forms of vitamin b, B12, B6, niacin, biotin, etc.

Small amounts of inositol are also found in multi vitamins and are generally sufficient for most people.

Can you get this particular form of vitamin B from food sources?

Yes, absolutely. Cantaloupe melons, nuts, bran cereals, beans and oranges are excellent sources of inositol but supplementation is recommended by doctors to support depression and anxiety. An average or 500mg twice a day is suggested in most cases and products are available in capsules or powder form.

In addition, inositol can be a helpful ingredient to support type 1 and 2 diabetes. Scientists have concluded that inositol may help regulating healthy insulin production.

Phytate is the common dietary form of inositol and may reduce the absorption of minerals such as calcium, zinc and iron. However, inositol supplements do not have this effect and are safe to be taken on a regular basis.

 1 Comment, latest by luke

	Kal Inositol 550 mg. - 8 oz.
	Nature’s Way Inositol 500 mg. - 100 Capsules
	Jarrow Formulas Inositol 750 mg. - 100 Capsules

Taking supplements can be difficult. We know the importance of taking a multi vitamin but sometimes it’s hard to remember taking tablets every day.

Vitamin supplementation needs to be taken on a daily basis in order to produce significant results.

Some people forget to take their vitamins too often, affecting the efficiency of the product and your health as well.

So, what can you do to remember taking supplements?

Pills reminders are a good idea, but then you forget to take it to work and the problem continues. How about liquid? No, that doesn’t work either, finding time to mix with water or milk can be an issue too.

A possible solution: chewable multiples.

Originally made for kids, adults chewable are a one of the most wanted items in health food stores these days. Companies are making flavored chewable tablets, still providing all the essential vitamins and important minerals.

It’s very convenient to take chewable tablets since you can take them to work, leave them at your desk or in the car, chewing at any possible time.

Children’s chewable tablets are still one of the best supplement options for the little ones. Most kids will not take a tablet or a capsule, but you give them a cherry or orange flavored chewable, and they will be happy to have their vitamins.

People are doing whatever it takes to get the benefits of a good multi vitamin. Chewable may be the solution for a very common problem without sacrificing any results.

 1 Comment, latest by denise

	Maxi-Health Research Chewable Kiddievite One-A-Day Multi-Vitamin For Children Strawbery - 90 Chewable Tablets
	Maxi-Health Research MaxiYums Chewable Omega Yums Certified Kosher Fish Oil Natural Lemon Busrt Flavor - 100 Vegetarian Capsules