Some of the most popular brands of multivitamins include Centrum, Spring Valley, Solaray and Nature’s Secret.
There is a lot of information on the best quality multivitamins available.
Each product should be researched in order to come to your own conclusions.
Some consumers base multivitamin quality on the types and purity levels of ingredients included.
Others may base their opinions more heavily on familiarity. The One A Day vitamin brand has a very memorable name, and Centrum certainly has made its mark with commercial advertising.
Companies that sell multivitamins have also gotten into the business of manufacturing their own branded products.
The Vitamin Shoppe and GNC sell low priced versions of the same supplements that they keep stocked on their shelves.
Because these supplement retailers are putting their reputations on the line, their house brand supplements often have been shown to give users the best value for their dollars.
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How Is Multivitamin Quality Measured?
Officially, there is no system in place used to measure the quality of multivitamins or other supplements. Some manufacturers rely on advertising that they use ingredients that are close to 100% pure, but users must rely on the word of these companies.
Unless you send your multivitamins away for independent lab testing, there will be no way for you to know the purity level or the concentration of each listed ingredient. The FDA does not approve or regulate multivitamins.
How multivitamin quality is measured also depends on the source that you use. Your doctor may want you to purchase a specific brand of multivitamins simply because it is a widely promoted brand.
If you have your own questions or suggestions about multivitamins, be sure to mention these to your physician during your next appointment.
Are Multivitamin Manufacturers Regulated by Any Government Agency?
While pharmaceutical companies are required to properly test and manufacture their drugs according to FDA regulations, supplement makers have virtually no rules to go by as supplements are viewed as a category of food. Multivitamin manufacturers must keep their production facilities clean and label their products truthfully, but they are not inspected in the same manner as food, prescription drug or health, and beauty companies.
No other government agency regulates supplement manufacturers. Occasionally, the Federal Trade Commission will be prompted to act when it learns of a rogue dietary supplement manufacturer that exaggerates or lies about the health benefits of its products.
The FDA will also take action if and when it is proven that a particular supplement has caused users to become sick. This could be because of unsafe ingredients or unclean manufacturing facilities, extra ingredients that are not listed on the label, or other issues.
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Are All Brands of Multivitamins Is Safe to Take?
MSNBC recently brought up a study that shows how over 20 of the most popular multivitamin brands contained harmful or unlisted ingredients. Although there is no independent agency that keeps a list of the most reputable multivitamin brands, you can quickly find out if a manufacturer has a spotty past with a simple Internet search.
Multivitamins produced by companies that have been in business for a long period of time are usually considered to be the safer choice. While newer multivitamin manufacturers should not be counted out altogether, you may want to wait until they have been able to better establish themselves.
Also, it is in your benefit to purchase multivitamins that are made in the U.S. as there are restrictions on how supplement manufacturers must conduct business.
What Should You Look for in a Good Multivitamin?
In order to get the best value for your money, purchase a multivitamin that contains all of the vitamins that your doctor recommends. Some multivitamins may list many different ingredients, but if they are not giving you at least half of the total daily recommended value, you may be wasting your money.
Nutrients like vitamin C can easily be obtained by eating citrus fruit. However, minerals like iron and zinc are not found in as many everyday foods.
While cost and quality are two of the most important factors you should consider when purchasing a multivitamin, you may also want to think about your personal circumstances. Older people may need more of certain vitamins than younger users. Other supplements are made specifically for bodybuilders.
Even if you are not able to get all of your dietary needs met by consuming a particular brand of multivitamins, you can always alter your diet to get more nutrients.
And remember to keep in mind that supplementation of any kind is not enough for your overall health and fitness needs. Exercise is important. Go PRO today for access to certified personal trainers, workout plans, goal trackers, and more!