Every time you visit your grocery store, I am sure you pass the isle that is full of vitamins.  There are all kinds of different vitamins available from multivitamins, to single vitamins and minerals.  These supplements are readily available at most stores and easy to obtain over the counter.  But how do we know if we are supposed to take any of these vitamins?  And if we should, how do we choose between all the brands and forms?

First, you should not even think about taking vitamin supplements unless your doctor tells you to.  A simple blood test can tell your doctor whether you need to supplement your diet with vitamins.  You should not take vitamins without talking to your doctor first because, believe it or not, it is possible to overdose on vitamins.  Your body excretes any extra water-soluble vitamins, such as Vitamin B or C; however, fat-soluble vitamins, if taken in large quantities can potentially endanger your health.

Fat-soluble vitamins are A, D, E and K.  It is rare for anyone to have a deficiency of these types of vitamins because they are stored by the body for long periods of time.  If these vitamins are in our bodies at certain levels, they are considered toxic and cause major health problems.  For example, too much Vitamin A in a pregnant woman can be attributed to birth defects in her baby, while too much Vitamin D can cause kidney damage.

The best way to get the right amount of vitamins in your body is to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.  There is no one food that you can eat to provide your body with everything it needs, so the key is to eat a variety of foods in moderation.  Whole foods, natural foods, fruits and vegetables are good foods to begin eating.  Eating healthy will normally provide you with all the nutrients you need.  You can talk to your doctor about learning how to eat healthy.

However, if your doctor tells you that you need to supplement your diet with vitamins make sure you ask him/her specifically which brand and form of the vitamin you should take.  Many of the vitamin supplements in the form of pills are not actually much help at all.  Some do not come in forms that are easily absorbed by our bodies.  Some experts believe that vitamins in liquid form are absorbed best.  Others believe that vitamins in pill form that dissolve under your tongue work best, so it is important to ask your doctor which form is best for you.