Multi-Vitamin

**Marie78** · 03-09-2007, 11:29 PM

I need your advice ladies on vitamins. I am 28 and I haven't taken a vitamin since the Flinstone ones when I was a little child. Last year my doctor said I should really be taking one. Since I am 28 she suggested a multi-vitamin and a folic acid supplement incase I become pregnant (I am not planning on this and actually planning against it for now, but I know surprises can and do happen.)

I finally decided after a long and sleepy winter that maybe I do need some vitamins. I am hoping my energy level will improve if I take a vitamin. I want to start taking them and exercising regularly. I'll be 29 years old next month and I am feeling blah! I am considering the One-A-Day Woman's vitamin, I liked the fact that it addressed vitamins our body needs. I talked with the pharmacist though, and he said that there's not enough folic acid in them, that if I was thinking of becoming pregnant or accidentally did, I would need more than what was in there. Is it necessary for me to start folic acid now, if a baby will not be planned for a few years? I don't want to spend or take more medicine than is necessary. I don't like taking pills and I only take one now to prevent a bundle of joy from happening until I am better financially prepared.

I know a vitamin probably isn't such a big deal to consider, but I don't like taking medicine. The cost isn't even that bad, a box with 100 tablets would last me about 3 months and would only cost $6 after I use my coupon. I didn't price the folic acid supplements (I am just too confused about those).

**JustJoy** · 03-10-2007, 07:14 AM

I take One-A-Day Cholesterol Plus as my cholesterol is a little high. I also take fish oil & flax oil. As for folic acid I really don't think it can hurt

**autumnlynn** · 03-10-2007, 08:45 AM

I take Centrum and have for a long time.

**AmyMCGS** · 03-10-2007, 09:34 AM

I take the One A Day Weight Control when I remember, and I really do feel better when I take them for several days in a row... I feel like I have a little more energy.

When I was trying to conceive, I took a folic acid suppliment, but not until we were actively trying. If you're taking measures against conception I don't think you need the extra suppliment, but that's just MHO.

**acidcookie** · 03-10-2007, 10:52 AM

I take generic store brand Centrum and it already has 100% of the folic acid I need, and even some calcium (though I take extra). Compare labels and see what each has to offer.

**Darlene** · 03-10-2007, 11:12 AM

Acidcookie is a smartcookie.

I too take the generic Centrium(walmart brand with Lycopene) and extra calcium.

Folic acid is found many foods

The U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for folate is 180 - 200 micrograms (mcg). Rich dietary sources of folate are recommended over supplements. They include:

Dark green, leafy vegetables
Whole wheat bread
Lightly cooked beans and peas
Nuts and seeds
Sprouts
Oranges and grapefruits
Liver and other organ meats
Poultry
Fortified breakfast cereals and enriched grain products

One cup of orange juice provides half the RDA for folate, underscoring how easy a nutrient it is to consume.

http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/0711.html

**Marie78** · 03-10-2007, 04:12 PM

Thank you all for your help, I think I will take the multi-vitamin and get the rest of the folic acid through my food, until of course I am ready to try having a baby. I am sure that my doctor and pharmacist were just trying to be helpful in making sure I knew at my age (child bearing age) the risks involved in not getting enough folic acid in my diet. I really hope the multi-vitamin gives me a boost of energy that my body needs

**thriftymom80** · 08-14-2008, 01:47 PM

You definitely should be getting the recommended amount of folic acid right now. It's something that you need to be taking for years prior to having kids, because you need it built up in your system. A lack of it can result in serious spinal cord defects in babies. The recommended amount is 400 mcg for a typical woman, and 800 mcg is you're pregnant. So I would definitely take it now...it can't hurt.

Many women's formulas of multis already have the recommended amount built in. One vitamin that's pretty good is the Nature's Way Alive! multi. It has the right amount of folic acid, and absorbs well into your system. A lot of multis pass right through you, which is why taking any cheap brand is not the best way to go. Check out the Alive vitamin. The prices are really good too.

**beks37** · 08-14-2008, 02:14 PM

I take the Walgreen's brand Prenatals. Although I am not pregnant or probably won't be in the near future. My dr said that they have enough of everything in there, even if you aren't going to become pregnant. I usually get the vitamins on a B1G1F sale.

**Greebo** · 08-14-2008, 02:29 PM

I just keep seeing Sheldon, from "The Big Bang Theory" telling Penny that multi-vitamins are a great way to get expensive urine.

**mommy4ever** · 08-14-2008, 03:20 PM

My Dr and Naturopath recommend all women of childbearing age take a prenatal vitamin.

Folic acid isn't only necessary to prevent spina bifida, it's used in absorbing iron into your system. If you've been feeling dragged down, you could be anemic.

in regards to strength of the vitamin, it's actually better to go with a lower "dose" 2 or 3 times a day(depending on strength) than 1 stronger dose once a day. that makes your urine "less expensive"(haha Greebo), as your body will be using it. Remember more isn't always better.

my own vitamin protocol is iron and b-complex 2x a day, and an herbal tincture 3x a day for 10 days a month.