Originally Posted by
ILoveToQuilt
A good quality multivitamin should not hurt you and usually contains all the vitamins/minerals you need.
Others: D, B, Iron, Calcium, etc....levels should be drawn (blood test) by your health care provider to see if you are deficient in them. Don't assume you need extra, your health care provider can advise you.
Regarding herbs: ask doctor or pharmacist for potential drug interactions. Certain herbs cannot be taken at certain times: black cohosh if you are pregnant, for instance.
Interactions: don't take iron with calcium as calcium inhibits absorption of the iron.
My best advice: don't go by the adverts or pretty bottles on the store shelves. Ask your medical provider.
Think you need extra vitamins, etc.? Eat a well balanced diet and you will get everything your body needs. (Think a very colorful diet).
Excellent advice! My husband's PhD is in Pharmacology. He would give the same advice. However, he'd go into a lot more detail about 'most' herbs being "snake oil" and that they can do much more harm than good. Your best bet is to always work with your physician for anything you take and make sure he/she is aware of All over the counter products you are including - even if you don't take them every day.