Vitamins-which one?

Hello,

I've been getting sick too often, and people have suggested to me to take vitamins. i've been looking at labels and all say ADULT. i classify 18 as an adult, I'm 16 (turning 17 in November) does my age really matter?

Also, can you recomend any vitamins that would be good(brand)? And should i be talking to my doctor first?Should i be taking Multi-Vitamins?

First, if you're getting sick often, you should definitely talk to your doctor. It could be a nutritional deficiency, but, then again, it could be something else, and you want to know for sure.

Assuming you're lacking vitamins and minerals, take a good look at your diet. Vitamin supplements are more of an insurance policy than anything else. If your diet is weak, you need to start there.

I would classify you as an adult for the purposes of choosing a multivitamin, but, again, speak with your doctor about it. Personally, I would choose a family doctor who sees adults, as well. You could see a pediatrician, but they are used to dealing with younger kids, and your body is more adult than child.

A nutritionist I work with recommends taking brand-name multivitamins as opposed to generic. He believes the quality control is better, and I trust his opinion. Centrum is one option. One-A-Day is another.

Good luck.

thanks for the reply! i think i might just go to the doc, i've got a family doctor, i live in Canada, we have an excellent health system. Its just ever since i started working as a Cashier i've been getting everything that goes around, and i wash my hands before i eat etc. i try to be careful. i've always had a crappy immune system, but dealing with sick people and infested-with-germs money/credit/debit cards is most likely the cause! thanks for the input i appreciate it!

A weakened immune system is partly due to diet but also can be affected by stress & fatigue.  And it can also be symptomatic of other medical conditions so seeing your doctor for a physical check-up is an excellent idea.

Until you can get to the doc there are lots of things you can do for yourself.  Good starting point (as well as the daily multivitiamin which is fine for someone your age) is to make sure you're getting 5-a-day fruit and vegetables and also several portions of wholegrains each day.  'Real food' beats supplements hands down.  Particularly good foods for fighting viruses are those high in Vitamin C such as oranges, cranberries, kiwifruit, potatoes, green vegetables.  And the B vitamins in wholemeal bread, brown rice and wholewheat pasta will help the body repair itself.  Keep your iron intake up with things like red meats, whole eggs, dark green vegetables.  Low iron stores are pretty common in young women and can lead to feeling 'below par' and prone to illnesses.

Diet aside, try to get plenty of sleep... 8 hours if you can.  And find time to get some fresh air each day and some relaxation or gentle exercise.

Link to responses to thread in Foods Forum

http://caloriecount.about.com/forums/post/992 83.html

sorry coach! i realised after it was impossible for me to delete the thread.haha.

gi-jane

thnks for your input, i definitely need to improve my sleep pattern, i usually get 6 hours average and too much on the weekends, its never balanced. I think i do need to be better on my diet. i thought i ate enough fruits and vegetables, but now i realise i don't! i know i'm good with my bread i eat 100% whole wheat bread all the time, and i also eat multigrain and whole grain, once in a while. thanks for all the advice! gotta go grocery shopping now! for fruits and veggies! woot!

i may be going a little off topic here, but my suggestion on top of what gi jane said, is to make sure you're getting enough calcium.....and eat some fish....excellent protein & good for the brain too

I believe that the most beneficial vitamin to take daily is Vitamin D - 2000 IU minimum - there has been much research done that proves vitamin D to be absolutely necessary in such a high dose for each and everyone of us! 

*Please read the following links - they will convince you further for sure! Remember = Vitamin D3 is the form you should be taking, not D2...

 

http://www.algaecal.com/vitamin-d-benefits.ht ml

 

http://search.lef.org/cgi-src-bin/MsmGo.exe?g rab_id=0&page_id=2530&query=vitamin%2 0D&hiword=D%20VITAM%20VITAMER%20VITAMERS% 20VITAMI%20VITAMINA%20VITAMINAS%20VITAMINC%20 VITAMIND%20VITAMINE%20VITAMINEN%20VITAMINES%2 0VITAMINIC%20VITAMINK%20VITAMINS%20vitamin%20

 

http://search.lef.org/cgi-src-bin/MsmGo.exe?g rab_id=0&page_id=506&query=vitamin%20 D&hiword=D%20VITAM%20VITAMER%20VITAMERS%2 0VITAMI%20VITAMINA%20VITAMINAS%20VITAMINC%20V ITAMIND%20VITAMINE%20VITAMINEN%20VITAMINES%20 VITAMINIC%20VITAMINK%20VITAMINS%20vitamin%20