Grocery stores, pharmacies and discount stores have hundreds of combinations and doses of nutrients. It can be very confusing. This comes from a group of scientists from many areas who evaluate the current research for 11 vitamins and seven minerals and then recommend the highest value for each. This is only meant as a recommendation for general health because needs vary for individuals. Scientists are searching for the optimum doses to prevent the onset of cancer and heart disease, boost our immune system and more.
Variety is the spice of life.
Foods may contain other chemicals that work with the nutrients to improve their benefit. Unfortunately, the typical American diet lacks many of these nutrients. A good way to gauge your normal intake of nutrients is to keep a food diary for a few weeks and see how much variety you're actually getting. Nutrient needs vary from person to person, and depend on age, level of activity, sex and medical history. Vitamin companies have used these differences to create vitamins for every age group, different formulations for men and women and special nutrients for athletes.