what is the best vitamin with highest known absorb-ability?

Question

i heard it was naturemade, because they did a study. are there any new studies out there about the best vitamin? whats your favorite vitamin? thanks! :)

Answer 1

Hi WCaroline. Sadly, there is no way to absolutely answer your question. I will try to give you some guidance, but there are no absolutes here. Also, I am assuming you are asking about a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement and not just 'one' particular vitamin.

Many factors affect vitamin and mineral absorption. The form of the vitamin, the form of the mineral, the digestive function of the person, taking the supplement with a meal, the amount of the vitamin and/or mineral, etc. - all of these things affect the absorption of the supplement. Generally, vitamin/mineral supplements should be taken with meals to maximize absorption. Antacids and acid-inhibitor drugs should be avoided because they impair absorption of many vital nutrients (e.g. calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin B12).

A quality vitamin/mineral supplement will meet all of these criteria:

1) It is in an opaque bottle (light can damage vitamins).

2) The product has an expiration date.

3) The 'pill' is a capsule (not a tablet).

4) The B-vitamins are at or above the RDA levels.

5) Vitamin C is at or above the RDA level.

6) Vitamin E is the natural form and not synthetic. Natural E is "d-alpha-tocopherol". If the bottle says "dl-alpha-tocopherol" it is synthetic and should be avoided.

7) All ingredients should be listed exactly. This means the exact form of the ingredient: e.g. calcium citrate - NOT just 'calcium'.

8) No preservatives, coloring agents, sugars, etc. should be included.

9) The minerals should be in chelated forms such as calcium citrate, magnesium citrate, zinc gluconate, etc. Chelators include: citrate, gluconate, malate, glycinate, lactate, picolinate, etc. Minerals should NEVER be as Oxides which studies show do not get absorbed. (Oxide forms of minerals are very common in the marketplace because they are cheap!)

10) The product should be 'complete'. Minerals such as Boron and Vanadium should be included.

I hope you find this helpful. As you can see, you need to educate yourself to be a good 'consumer' in the vitamin/mineral marketplace. You will also discover that it may be very difficult to find supplements that meet all of the above criteria.

Best wishes and good luck.

Answer 2

Hi Caroline,
The absolute best vitamin for you to take is called "Womens Ultra Mega" from GNC health food store. It has all vitamins and minerals that you need. It goes through 85 different quality checks before its bottled. You take 2 per day with food. It absorbs better that way. The absorbtion your body will allow with vitamins is exactly what the body will need. The body is amazing and that which it doesnt need will dispense through urine.

Answer 3

It is very important for women to take a B-6 complex daily. Your best bet is to take in a capsule or gel form. Vitamins that are most effective are gel or capsules. This way your body can break them down easier, and absorb all of the vitamins and minerals easier. If you choose the B-6 complex, take it with food, it can upset your stomach if empty.

Answer 4

LOL. They're all essentially equal, with VERY minor differences that will not be meaningful or affect your health. Don't even worry about it.