A multivitamin/mineral is like a dietary insurance policy to ensure that even on the days you eat pretzels and a cookie for lunch, your body doesnt miss out on vital nutrients. Multivitamins, like clothing, work best when the size is right. Women, men, and children have very different nutrient needs in terms of specific nutrients and the amounts of important nutrients. A specialized multivitamin/mineral supplement ensures that nutrient needs are met. Keep in mind, however, that a multivitamin/mineral supplement is meant to do just what its name implies, supplement not replace a healthful diet.

Children need less in terms of amounts of vitamins and minerals (since theyre smaller), but the importance of proper nutrient levels is no less during childhood. Not only do height and weight increase at incredible rates during this time, but brain function and general coordination are quickly developing, as well. At a time of rapid and vital growth and development, but potentially inconsistent eating habits, a multivitamin/mineral that is specially formulated for children can help a child get all of the nutrients he or she needs even the picky eaters. **Adolescents nutrient needs begin to change as they reach puberty -- right around the same time that busy schedules, peer pressure, and school lunches can wreak havoc on eating habits. Girls iron needs nearly double (from 8mg/day to 15mg/day) when menstruation begins. This is the time that they should begin taking an adult formula with iron. Calcium requirements increase for boys and girls starting between ages 9- to13- years of age, due to rapid growth and bone development. An additional calcium supplement is often needed, especially for teens that do not eat dairy products. Boys needs for more B vitamins, as well as larger quantities of most nutrients, make it appropriate for them to begin taking an adult formula at this time as well.

Women of childbearing age have a particular need for iron, calcium, vitamin D, and folic acid in order to build and maintain strong bones, keep energy levels high, and maintain necessary nutrient stores should they become pregnant. Most multivitamin/minerals will not have 100% of calcium or vitamin D, so an additional supplement containing these nutrients is usually needed. A formula that provides 100% of the daily value of folic acid, a B vitamin, is extremely important in the prevention of certain birth defects, should a woman become pregnant. Sufficient iron is vital to ensuring that oxygen travels throughout the entire body (including the brain!), fighting fatigue, and keeping the metabolism revved up.

Men have increased nutrient needs due to higher metabolic rates and a larger proportion of total body muscle mass. Overall, needs are higher for B vitamins like thiamin, niacin, and riboflavin and less iron than women do. The B vitamins work together to metabolize food and convert it to fuel for energy production, maintain sufficient levels of sex hormones, and remove toxins from the body. Meeting these increased nutrient needs helps to achieve optimal physical and mental health. Additionally, men can benefit from certain plant compounds, like lycopene, which have been shown to decrease the risk of prostate cancer, the leading cause of cancer death among males.

Adults over fifty have higher needs for vitamins B6, D, C, and calcium, and lower iron requirements. In addition, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing vitamin B12 from food. Vitamin B12 is a key nutrient in preventing anemia by maintaining a healthy number of red blood cells. It also keeps the nervous system (the control panel for your entire body) working properly. Senior Formula multivitamins account for these specific needs and are often enhanced with compounds like lutein and lycopene to support eye and prostate health. However, a regular adult multivitamin/mineral without iron will also meet basic needs. An additional calcium/vitamin D supplement is usually necessary in order to meet the increased needs of older adults.

**Postmenopausal women have increased needs for calcium related to hormonal changes, while iron needs are cut in half due to the ceasing of the menstrual cycle. A general adult multivitamin without iron, or a senior formula plus an additional calcium/vitamin D supplement, is recommended for women who have completed menopause.