If you re in one of these groups, it may be wise to look for a pill with less than 9 milligrams of iron. It helps absorb calcium and many older people have vitamin D deficiencies. This vitamin can help the immune system and may lower homocysteine, a risk factor for heart attacks. A multivitamin with at least 2 milligrams is often a good idea. But avoid excess doses.
Vitamins can affect some medications and health conditions.
You are washing your hands hours a day, trying to rid yourself of germs. But germs may not be the problem. It could be an anxiety disorder called obsessive-compulsive disorder. Once thought to be rare, obsessive-compulsive disorder is somewhat common, affecting one in 40 American adults at some point in life, according to the April issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter. Most people with the disorder have both obsessions unwanted ideas or images that occur repeatedly and compulsive behaviors such as hand washing, putting things in order repeatedly and checking door locks or appliances.