Need Advice on What Vitamins to Use

Updated on February 11, 2009
T.C. asks from Troy, MI
29 answers

Hi moms, I would like to start taking vitamins and I don't know where to begin. I'm looking for something to increase my energy level and I have been having problems with dry hair and skin (not just since the wheather has gotten cold but for awhile) I have heard about fish oil and omega 3 and there is just so much out there I need a little help with where to begin. I don't like to take pills so the I would like the most benifit for the least amount of vitamins. Any help would be great.

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So What Happened?

Thank you moms for all the great advice and different web sites to check out. I'm going to take the time to research everything and figure out what is best for my needs. Thanks again for heading me in the right direction. T. C.

Featured Answers

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K.B.

answers from Detroit on

Hi T.,
I started taking some INCREDIBLE stuff I'd be happy to share with you. My email is ____@____.com

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A.H.

answers from Detroit on

I try to get most of my nutrients form food. I'd suggest eating more fresh veggies, less canned & processed foods. Here's a slide show for a little info on that
http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/package/0,21861,###-...
I also take a multi vit from Trader Joes, and acidophiles for gut health. I add flax meal to all baked goods I make for fiber and omega 3s. Make my own salad dressing w/ olive oil and some hemp(omega 3&6) oil both are healthy oils.
:) Good luck, A. H

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D.D.

answers from Detroit on

T., there is a vitamin/mineral supplement, in liquid form, called Vibe. You can call Helen at The New You Body Wraps in Utica for more info. It is an awesome product that supplies everything you need in a liquid form. The number there is ###-###-####. Feel Well!

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D.M.

answers from Detroit on

Hi Terri---Sorry this is late. Was out of town for several days.

If you want the best source of nutrition for your body, you must start with a diet rich in fruits, veggies, whole grains and legumes (beans). It is recommended that we eat 7 to 13 servings each and every day. I'm sure this is a difficult for you as it is for me. No wonder so many people are tired and sick all of the time. We barely eat enough of the right foods for fuel, let alone for disease protection.

I've discovered a great whole food supplement called Juice Plus+. It contains the juice powders of 17 different fruits, veggies and whole grains. It IS the most thoroughly researched supplenemt on the market. Very few, if any, other supplement manufacturers can claim original, peer-reviewed, independent research to show that JP+ actually gets into the body where it can do some good. It also strengthens and balances the immune system, and protects and repairs DNA. One study shows a reduction of free radical damage by at least 75% in as little as 28 days.

I see that you live in Troy. The group that I work with is hosting a health education event at the Troy Community Center tonight, 7 pm. We'll be learning how different foods work in different parts of the body and why a varied diet is most important for disease prevention. Please join me. My phone number is ###-###-####. Send me a personal email at ____@____.com and I will send you the flyer. You can also learn more about JP+ at www.dianeshealthed.com. I do not charge to share any information with people. I really enjoy helping others to become healthier people.

See you tonight. You will be so happy that you joined us.
In health, D.

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T.W.

answers from Grand Rapids on

T.

Biotin 1000 mcg -is great for your skin, hair and nails! You can get them for a little as $1.50 for 100 tablets. I also take a B-12 for energy, if you are feeling sluggish, you should check with your doctor, I was always tired all the time, and having brittle dry nails, hair and skin, only to find out I had goiter problem (thyroid) and vitamin D and calcium deficiency. You Doc can do blood work to see.

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M.G.

answers from Jackson on

Good Morning T.!

I commend you for taking another step in your wellness!

Regarding the dry hair and skin, I'm just curious, have you had your thyroid tested or have you made a dramatic change in your diet regarding fat intake?

Helping moms figure out good supplements for themselves and their family is something I love to do. So while evaluating supplements here are a few criteria for your consideration:

Does the vitamin disintegrate quickly enough to be absorbable?

Is it designed to release in your digestive system where it is best absorbed?

What else is disintegrating into your system--artificial colorants, sweetners or preservatives? Is there lead or other heavy metal contaminants in the supplement?

Is it food sources or synthetic? Is it high heat processed?

Do those sound like useful questions for you? There are more things to consider but that is a good place to start. If you would like more information I have some very good CDs that I would lend to you.

warmly, M.

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R.H.

answers from Detroit on

Hi Terri,

I have been researching Cod Liver Oil. It is supposed to have some amazing health benefits...for you and your kids including taking care of dry skin! I am going to be getting some for us.

A good source of information is www.mercola.com
Another source, specific to kis, is www.nourishyourkids.com

This latter site is run by a pediatrician and dietician. They focus on wholesome "REAL" foods and natural ways to keep our immune systems and bodies working properly. It's a wonderful site with tons of information.

Good luck!

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D.F.

answers from Detroit on

I get my fish oil/omega 3 at costco. The enteric coated helps so that you don't taste them after taking. I also get my multi vitamin there, and my calcium. You need to take two calcium pills a day 500mg each. Your body absorbs them best on an empty stomach, and you can only take them one at a time. That's all your body can absorb at once. I heard that putting olive oil on your heir and scalp will help with dry hair and scalp problems. I have not tried it but I plan to. My scalp is so dry from those long hot showers.

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A.F.

answers from Detroit on

Hi there, I take vitiman E for many reasons, it is good for your heart( circulitory system ) and it also is good for your skin. I take Magnesium too, for restless leg syndrome and because it is wone of the most common vitimans that are lacking in our diets.
for energy , it is good to take a B complex or just B-12 Also Bee polin is good for that. Gin sing is very good for circulation too. Hope this helped.

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M.P.

answers from Detroit on

T.,

There is so much information out there, right? From what I read, you have been researching different supplements. That is great! You said that you would like the most benefit and take the least amount of vitamins. I have a unique product that does just that.

Before I recommend any products, I go through a Personal Nutrition Consultation. The first consultation is at no charge. If you would like a reliable source that can help determine what vitamins/supplements are right for you, call me at ###-###-####.

M.

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K.G.

answers from Detroit on

I take a multi and a complex B.

A.W.

answers from Kalamazoo on

It would be helpful to ask your OB at your next visit. It depends on your age...if you have periods, then extra iron may be helpful. It also depends on your diet, Do you drink milk regularly? Eat your recommended fruits and veggies? Get enough sunlight? You don't want to be taking supplements for things that you don't need. Yes, Omega 3 and fish oil are good for dryness and other things...also make sure you are well hydrated. This can be a complicated question and if at all possible talk to your doctor about what your body really needs.

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H.L.

answers from Detroit on

Please please please get your thyroid checked. Good luck!

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C.B.

answers from Detroit on

T.,
First of all, do you want liquids or caps/tabs? Liquids start working faster. Personally I do better with liquids.

Secondly, decide what ingredients you don't want. E.g., I get my liquid vitamins through Neways. Why? because they're a higher quality. Many vitamins and supps might have some bad ingredients in them. So where you get them is important too. I wouldn't recommend getting supps from the drug store or grocery store. It's a waste of money and you can't be sure of their purity. Better health or Whole Foods offer good products.

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H.S.

answers from Detroit on

Always talk to your doctor about which vitamin will be best for you

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M.M.

answers from Jackson on

With dry hair and skin & low energy levels, you could think about getting your thyroid levels tested. If it is low, getting it back on track would help with dry skin/hair & energy.

Omega 3 is great. If you don't want to do pills, you can get it in gel form. You squeeze it out of a little ketchup like packet. It comes in different fruit flavors.

A plant/food based multi vitamin is easiest for your body to absorb. If you went to a health food store, the person working there should be able to help you find a brand within your price range.

Best of luck to you.

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C.E.

answers from Detroit on

I also love Nourish your kids website. Lots of information on the benefits of cod liver/fish oil. My daughters and I use Nordic Naturals. I have dry skin (extreme in the winter) and the fish oil and vitamins has helped tremendously.

I would like to commend you for making the committment to your self to start taking vitamins. I think it is such a simple thing you can do for yourself with huge benefits and am always amazed at how people do not take a daily supplement. We all try and eat healthy but lets face it...life does get in the way sometimes and there are days we can't eat enough real foods. I look at vitamins as my insurance policy that my body is getting what it needs.

I have been taking a liquid vitamin supplement, VEMMA, for 5 years now. Its formula is perservative free, full spectrum of antioxidant vitamins, whole fruit magnosteen and pericarp, organic glyconutrient rich aloe vera, organic decaf green tea and over 65 trace and ultra trace plant sourced minerals. You can only get it from a distributor. Here is my distributors website where you can get more information: www.myvemma.com/kathywilliams There is a 30 day empty bottle money back guarantee.

Sorry for the long post but did want to mention one more thing. On Oprah.com you can find information from Dr. Oz on choosing a multi vitamin and he has it broken out by gender and age as to what you should be taking at a minimum. http://www.oprah.com/article/health/wellnessandprevention...
This may be helpful also. Good luck...looks like you have lots of great recommendations and information to get you started.

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J.W.

answers from Detroit on

In these present times you do need to take some kind of suppliments. When you select your vitamins, make sure you get multi-vitamins. See how many pills a day you need to take (some are as many as six). You may also want to change your diet add more Omega-3's. You can find that in Olive Oil and Canola Oil, nuts are great to add. Also, tuna fish. Read your labels to find the best nutrition.
Also, checkout www.herbalife.com. You can actually print out the label information.
J.

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K.A.

answers from Detroit on

Obviously you can talk to a doctor...but if you are wanting to figure this out on your own and avoid a doctor visit...check out this website: www.swansonvitamins.com They have so many different things and the prices are outstanding. You can also check with a pharmacist when you are in a store. They can be very helpful.

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L.H.

answers from Detroit on

Hi T.,
I've been on vitamins for years and just recently I learned about www.youngevity.com and now I'm taking liquid vitamins/minerals that are 98% absorbable! Any tablet or capsule would be less absorbable. You cannot get all your essentials through food. I'll be glad to talk to you with the basics and you can get them at wholesale, too! For only $10 and no renewal fees... You can email me, I'll be glad to help you. I would also like to add that I have more energy and I feel great too!
L.

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R.W.

answers from Jackson on

Low energy levels, Dry skin and hair are Symptoms of Thyroid Disease. You may want to get checked for Hypothyroidism.

As for the Vitamins Believe it or not the BEST vitamin for women of any age are prenatal vitamins. You can pair that with Cod Liver Oil or Flax Seed oil caps. If you have problems with cramping during your cycles Evening Primrose Oil also has Omega 3's and will help your female organs :-D for Increased Energy I would suggest a Time Release B-100 Also known as a Complete B vitamin supplement. I would also add a Calcium Magnesium Supplement at least 1200 of Cal and 400 of Mag. Make sure you're getting enough Vit D as well.

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R.G.

answers from Detroit on

I take a women's daily vitamin pac. It contains about 5 good pills. Sometimes, if I don't feel like taking the packets, I take a One-A-Day for women. I also take acidophillus tablets every day. they increase energy and allow you to absorb all the nutrients from your food intake. Good luck!!

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P.L.

answers from Detroit on

I also would like to suggest that your Thyroid may be a problem. It made a big difference when I started getting treatment. Another symptom is hair loss...
The Doc also found out I had low B12 and has me taking that and Vit D which she states those of us in Mich tend to be low on. Good Luck

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S.K.

answers from Saginaw on

I take a multivitamin-mineral supplement (pill form) that is formulated in a way that you absorb more it and not eliminate a lot of the multivitamin-mineral. The company does a 90 day challange. To check it out go to www.melaleuca.com/oligo.

www.livetotalwellness/SusanK

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C._.

answers from Grand Rapids on

Hello T.,

I just want to add, that not all supplements work the same for everyone. keep that in mind. so you need to find what works for YOU. also, rule out any allergies/sensitivities (food or non-food)

You probably should have your vitamin D levels checked. Personally, the TwinLabs "Complete EFA Softgels, Omega 3-6-9" see to have the highest content of the ALA/EPA/DHA/GLA. so, compare the amount you get per serving. it vaires A LOT from brand to brand. Good luck! ~Carmen~

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M.F.

answers from Detroit on

I have been taking shaklee vitamins since i was about 18, i'm 27 now, my mom took them when she was prego with me. I was a very healthy baby. And still am, I also took them while prego with my dughter, she is very healthy also. I take their multi, vitamin b and fish oil. I know you said you hate taking them, you could start taking one multi a day and see what you think, I would recommend adding vitamin for energy. www.shaklee.com if you want the discount of 20% I can order for you. any questions ____@____.com ###-###-####. good luck

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A.V.

answers from Jackson on

As a nurse I would have to recommend that you get your TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) checked at your doctor's office. All the symptoms you described are also symptoms of hypothyrodism (low thyroid levels). If you have this it is easily treated. I would just get it checked out, and if that is not the case - then maybe you are right and all you need is a good vitmain. Best wishes!

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T.B.

answers from Detroit on

Terri, I currently use the Women's Ultra Mega Vitamins from GNC. I get the flavored powdered version though. I can't swallow large pills so I am glad that these are powdered. Check them out because they give me a lot of energy. All you have to do is mix two scoops with either 8 oz of milk or water. I hope this helps!

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T.A.

answers from Grand Rapids on

T.,

I take an acidopholis pill, which is a probiotic (like in yogurt but much more effective) I also take Garlic Oil and Vitamin E, B12, and a mult-vitiman multi-mineral supplement.

Also make sure you are drinking lots of water.

Another thing is I don't take my vitamins all at one time, I try to spread it out over the course of the day. At least an hour apart for each thing I take, because I have heard that your body can absorb it more efficiently that way.

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