What's the best multivitamin to take?

[MrsJaffaCakeAddict]

I'm about to finding breastfeeding so will no longer be buying the Pregnacare breastfeeding supplements. I keep hearing that the supermarket multivitamins are useless so what should I be taking? What's the best 'good quality' multivitamin?

Thanks!

Solgar are a good make.

Super one from Holland and barrett. They are the size of a horse but really fantastic. I have immune system problems and my endocrinologist recommended them. They do make your pee bright orange though!

Supermarket vitamins really aren't rubbish - they use the same active ingredients as do the branded bits.

Branded vits

Whatever ones you go for check the ingredients and the RDA amounts in the label. Go for one which has a good mix of vitamin C, B vitamins and iron as those are the vitamins most people generally lack in. Zinc is also good for hair and skin and general immune system boosting.

I would also recommend Solgar products. The do a Female multi bit. They contain good amounts of calcium, magnesium, vit e, B vits etc but its 3 tablets a day to get the high dose.

Its not all about the amounts or active ingredients, its also what they are mixed with, how easy they are for your gut to break them down and absorb them. Solgar are known for being very easily absorbed.

The cheapest. Or, if you're concerned about specific BF-related needs, look into what is recommended. Probably calcium. Maybe iron.

Honestly, what Fabulassie says. I've worked 'in vitamins' - much of what people say is the just the marketing lines that we want you to believe! !

I'd consider a good all round multi vit and mineral, and I'd ensure that it has good levels of iron, Vit D and calcium.

I'd also consider a separate high strength cod liver oil or Omega 3 supplement, and if still bfing, go for one with a high level of DHA.

food.

I don't 'believe' in multi vits. Ideally you ought to get all you need from food. Unless you are eating some kind of restricted diet, then you can get all you need by eating a healthy diet, including products that have lots of calcium and iron.

Only people who need some extra vitamins from pills due to a restricted diet should take them- eg the elderly who can't get Vit D from sunshine due to being housebound.

This might help

Calcium

Nursing mothers need 1000 mg calcium the same as adult women ( UK RDA is set at around 700mgs)

This is readily available in cheese, milk, yoghurt, green veg, almonds , apricots, sardines, and other oily fish.

The vitamin industry is a multi million pound industry ( one main manufacturer also makes cigarettes) and is built on people's lack of understanding of dietary needs- and fears.

One orange or a portion of certain veg gives you all the Vit C you need- 30mgs a day . Any excess is excreted- same for the B Vits - that's what makes your wee orange because it's the excess.

I take calcium/ magnesium because I am dairy intolerant and it's hard to get 1200 mgs from food alone (for someone my age) but unless you are cutting out a major food group you are literally pouring money down the drain with supplements.

There are plenty of people who are young and not housebound and are Vitamin D deficient. I know of several ladies who despite having a love tan and having 2 sunshine holidays a year were very Vitamin D deficient.

The consultant at the hospital recommended Centrum to me.

BioCare are great, they were recommended by my nutritionist.

Unless you are deficient you don't need vits from a pill.

Vit D- you have to eat the right foods as well as getting sun- most people rarely eat oily fish one of the chief sources.

I take multibionta. It's a good mix of all vitamins and minerals plus it has probiotics.
Don't know if it is the best. I like it as it covers all bases.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to the fish oil ones?

I've been taking these as my mum bought me them for Christmas!

My nails have definitely improved and grown since taking them!

www.amazon.co.uk/Seven-Seas-Perfect-Woman-Pack/dp/B00OCDQUTQ/ref=sr_1_6_a_it?keywords=perfect+7+women+seven+seas&tag=mumsnetforum-21&ie=UTF8&qid=1518719318&sr=8-6

Solgar pre natal. You can continue with them if you bf too

Thought everyone needs a Vit D supplement in winter in UK as it's not possible to get enough from limited sunlight ( and diet won't cover it all )

Immunace Extra. Vitamin d spray is also very good.