Truth #1: Price

Don't ever select a vitamin based on price. There is a reason in a significant number of cases why one vitamin is cheaper than the other. When you decide on what is an acceptable quality, then compare price for that same quality of vitamins so you are comparing oranges with oranges and apples with apples. Watch out for companies with well recognized names who have purchasing power. Read the label even more.

Truth #2: Source of Vitamins

If quality and natural matters to you then make sure the source of your vitamins is whole foods. Read the label to see if you have a synthetic (made up in lab) vitamin. If it is a whole food vitamin then the company will usually be proud to advertise as such and list the source of the vitamin. For example, the label should say how much vitamin A, percentage of RDA, and the source such as carrots. Whole food vitamins are more expensive but more natural to the body.

Truth #3: It's in there

Again if quality and natural matters then avoid supplements that are rich in artificial fillers, coloring / dyes, and flavoring. Again, you must be a detective and read the labels.

Truth #4: Not a Cure All

Vitamins are supplements. Just as all dietary supplements, they are not cure alls for disease states. They supply what the body is missing to heal itself for perform natural physiologic functions. They are not medicines. However, if not used in an appropriate manner and in consultation with a health care provider, they can harm you. For example, if you are on a blood thinner such as coumadin for whatever reason, you would not want to take vitamin K supplementation. It will oppose the coumadin to try and thicken the blood.

Truth #5 Those Who Should Take Vitamins

The question is frequently asked, who should take vitamins? The answer is most people. The reason is most do not get enough vitamins because of a deficiency of 5oldnm fruits and vegetables in the diet. Look at the plate of most people eating around you. Are those plates colorful with fruits and vegetables or are do they lack color because of all the starch and meat?

Finally

Choose your supplements carefully based on a whole food source and quality compounding. When you find the right vitamin, then comparison shop for the similar supplement. Most people need vitamins because of the lack of fruits and vegetables in the diet. Do use all nutrition supplements in consultation with your health care provider.

Get or Read up on a Whole Food Viamin Now: http://www.ClaimWellness.com (then click on nutrition supplements)

Orville Campbell, MD is an internist and nephrologist. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His expertise include: health and wellness, hypertension, diabetes, vitamin D, and kidney diseases. Dr. Campbell is an entrepreneur. He has owned several businesses and medical practices since finishing Emory University in 1995. He serves on multiple medical advisory boards for several multi-million dollar companies. Dr. Campbell is currently pursuing an MBA degree. He gives back to the community through his church's health and youth ministries and his children and youth mentoring organization called Teaching Kids to Dream, Inc.

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