Demystifying Multivitamins
- By Nutrition
- Published Nov. 28, 2011
Photo: Scott Draper/Competitor
This piece first appeared in the October issue of Competitor Magazine.
Written by: Mackenzie Lobby
As an athlete, you’re always looking for that extra edge. In this eat-on-the run, hustle and bustle world, however, good nutrition is one of those potential advantages that often falls to the wayside. Fortunately, there is a simple, once-a-day ritual that can help fill some of those dietary gaps: the multivitamin.
“Multivitamins cannot replace a healthy eating plan, but they can serve as an insurance policy,” said Jane Pentz Ph.D., of The American Academy of Sports Dietitians and Nutritionists (AASDN).
More from Competitor.com: Should You Take A Multivitamin?
Nutritionist Monique Ryan, author of “Sports Nutrition for Endurance Athletes,” agrees. “Supplementation should be considered in the context of your diet,” she explained. “It really is the best way to get everything you need on a daily basis.”
While the concept of multivitamins is simple and convenient, the labels that adorn their bottles are not. Prices are across the board, nutrition advice varies and the labels are nearly impossible to interpret. By arming yourself with the basic information on how to read multivitamin labels, you’ll end up with the best supplement for you.
FILED UNDER: Inside The Magazine / Nutrition TAGS: daily value / dosage / labels / Multivitamin / vitamin supplements
