Make an informed choice about taking vitamins

Remember that the latest study isn’t the greatest study, and you need to dig beyond the headline to see if the results apply to you. Although taking a vitamin won’t make up for a bad diet, there are times when supplements should be considered.

The American Dietetic Association suggests that the following groups of people may need to supplement their diets:
• Adults consuming fewer than 1,500 to 1,600 calories a day.
• Pregnant women are advised to take a vitamin that contains higher levels of iron and the B-vitamin folic acid.
• Older adults would benefit from a supplement with low levels of iron and higher levels of vitamin B12.
• Vegans or people who eliminate an entire food group, such as dairy, from their diets.

How do you choose a supplement?
• Look for quality brands that display the USP symbol.
• Take supplements at the same time of day and take them with foods.
• If you take calcium, take it in divided doses throughout the day.