Taking a complete supplement is a good way for people to ensure that their diets are not deficient in the many essential vitamins and minerals needed by the body on a daily basis. People don't always get the recommended amount of these important nutrients from food intake alone, which is where taking a supplement comes in. Research indicates that those who do may be less likely to develop illnesses such as cancer, osteoporosis, and heart disease. When looking for the right one, there are few helpful tips one should keep in mind.

The food one eats should be the primary source of good nutrition, however it can be challenging to make sure that every vitamin and mineral is sufficiently accounted for. Many people are lacking enough calcium, vitamin D, and potassium in their regular diets for instance, all of which they can obtain through taking a supplement.

A good quality multivitamin will provide 100% of the daily recommended intake of each essential nutrient, but not all do so it is important to read the package labels carefully. It should include the following nutrients; iron, zinc, calcium, borate, selenium, magnesium, iodine, potassium, molybdenum, beta-carotene, as well as all the B-complex vitamins and vitamins A, E, K, D, and C. A separate supplement of calcium and vitamin D is sometimes required in order to get the proper amount of these nutrients.

In the vast selection of supplement products, there are some which are designed for people who have particular needs. Some are formulated with a higher amount of one nutrient or another, and may have additional health boosters such as antioxidants in them too. Prenatal vitamins contain additional iron, calcium, and folic acid and are recommended for expectant women to take for a healthy pregnancy.

At different stages in their lives, people have varying nutritional requirements; the manufacturers of multivitamins have recognized this and made a supplement for every age group. Babies and children, adults, and seniors all have specific formulas just for their age. There are gender differences in nutritional requirements as well. One must be sure to select a supplement to match his or her age and sex, to benefit most from it.

The key difference between formulations for males and females is the added iron in the women's formula, which is intended for women of childbearing age who require more iron due to that which is lost through monthly cycles. They also have added folic acid which helps to prevent birth defects in the event of conception.

Seniors' supplement formulas typically include more vitamin D, calcium, and vitamins B6 and B12. When people are about fifty years of age or older, their bodies do not absorb these nutrients as readily in their food, so it is beneficial for them to take a multivitamin tablet which contains a synthetic version that is more easily absorbed. Women who are menopausal also have a lower iron requirement comparable to that of men, as they are no longer menstruating.

Complete supplements are offered in a variety of forms; there are tablets, capsules, powders, and for children and infants there ate flavorful liquids, gummies, and chewables. To protect their quality, it is necessary to store them in a dry, cool place where they will not spoil. The best way to ensure one find the right supplements is to consult a physician who can recommend those which are most suitable.