Smart supplements
Choose a high quality multivitamin.
Check the expiration date to make sure you will use it all in time.
Add an antioxidant supplement that contains 100 to 400 IU of vitamin E, 250 to 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C, 6 to 20 milligrams of beta-carotene, plus 70 to 100 micrograms of selenium.
Add a calcium supplement or be sure to get enough calcium through your diet. For women over age 50 and men over 65, take a total of 1,500 milligrams per day (1,000 milligrams a day for med aged 60 to 65). Be sure and take calcium in divided doses so that it is fully absorbed.
Buy a product that has equal percentages of the daily value for copper and zinc.
Choose a multivitamin that contains little or no iron.
Take your multivitamin and antioxidant supplements with meals or low-fat snacks to get the full benefit of fat and water soluble vitamins.
Buy dairy products that are fortified with vitamin D.
Do not take doses larger than those recommended by experts or without approval from your doctor.
Don’t take calcium and your multivitamin supplement together.
Don’t take calcium without checking with your doctor if you are on tetracycline.
Don’t over consume magnesium products like certain laxatives, antacids and pain relievers if you have kidney problems.
Don’t increase your consumption of supplements without checking with your doctor first, especially if you are on other medications.