best supplements

Millions of people take daily vitamin supplements to encourage good health. With all the different kinds of vitamins
minerals and herbs flooding the market these days
it's sometimes difficult to know what to choose.

The first thing you need to know is that vitamin supplements are not a replacement for eating healthy
vitamin rich whole foods. Food contains the nutrients your body needs in their very purest form
and interact with each other and your body in a way supplements cannot. However
taking vitamin supplements in addition to eating a vitamin-rich diet can be a great way to stay healthy and protect against damage from harmful free radicals.

When shopping for vitamin supplements
there are a few things you should keep in mind:

Always read the label

Reading labels is a wise practice you should do every time you shop for supplements. Labels can tell you more about dosages
ingredients
safety precautions
and other important information.

Choose a reputable manufacturer

Always choose products with “USP” on the label. “USP” is the abbreviation for the U.S. Pharmacopeia and the inclusion on the label means the product has been tested and checked for quality and safety.

Check the Date

Expired vitamins can lose their potency. Always make sure there is an expiration date printed on the bottle
and never purchase or use expired supplements.

Avoid Giant Doses

Do not choose supplements that offer extremely high doses of a particular vitamin or vitamins. Too much of anything can be harmful
sometimes even fatal.

Store Safely

Always keep your vitamins out of the reach of children. Store in a cool
dark
dry place as heat and humidity can affect the integrity of the vitamins.

Always Do Your Homework

Research is always a good idea before deciding to take vitamin supplements. Consult with your doctor. Perform some Internet searches or visit your local library. There is a wealth of resources available for you on the topic of vitamin supplements and the benefits they offer.

In today's health-conscious society
much attention has been paid to vitamin supplementation and the role it plays in total body health. In addition to promoting optimum wellness
vitamin supplements are taken for reasons such as protecting the heart
reducing the risk of cancer
boosting the immune
system
relieving the symptoms of PMS
alleviating depression and anxiety
improving the memory
and even weight loss.

There have been some publicized theories that advocate the use of extremely high doses
or mega-doses
of certain vitamins. Care should be taken when considering this kind of supplementation. While some vitamins are safe in large doses
others can be harmful. Here are the most commonly used
vitamins and the safest maximum doses for each:

Vitamin A - Vitamin A is a fat-soluble compound that is crucial for healthy vision
cell growth
and immune system function. Vitamin A should not be taken in excess of 10
0
IU which is twice the daily recommended allowance for adults.

Vitamin B6 - Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that is required for protein metabolism
the delivery of oxygen to cells
and the regulation of blood glucose. Excessive Vitamin B6 can cause debilitating and dangerous nerve damage. Do not exceed 100 mg of Vitamin B6 per day.

Vitamin B12 - Vitamin B12 is essential to healthy red blood cells and nerve cells in the body. Vitamin B12 also plays a vital role in the creation of human DNA. Although this compound is well-tolerated and has a low level of toxicity
it is recommended that you do not exceed 3
0
mcg per day.

Folic Acid - Folic acid contributes to the development of DNA
and is also needed for the metabolism of important amino acids. It is especially crucial for pregnant women. Folic acid has a low toxicity level
however the recommended maximum dose for adults is 1
0
mcg.

Vitamin C - Vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen
growth and repair of the body's tissues
and a healthy immune system. However
too much Vitamin C can cause harmful oxidation in the body. No more than 2000 mg per day should be consumed.

Vitamin D - Vitamin D is essential for normal levels of phosphorus and calcium in the blood. Vitamin D is an important contributor to strong bones and teeth. Excessive Vitamin D intake (more than 10
0
IU) can lead to bone pain
nausea
vomiting
and even kidney stones.

Vitamin E - Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect the body against free radicals. However taking more than 1
0
mg can cause heart problems and excessive bleeding.

Talk to your doctor to learn more about the safe dosage levels of vitamin compounds. It’s not always a good idea to buy into the latest health fads
or to believe the sales copy you read on the product bottle.