What Are the Different Types of Vitamin Pills?

There are a number of different vitamin pills available to boost health, and make up for nutritional deficiencies in the diet. Multivitamin and mineral supplements are some of the most common; these are generally intended to be taken once daily, and include the recommended daily allowance of these vitamins in the diet. Other vitamin pills are individual, extra doses of specific supplements such as vitamin A or vitamin C. Sometimes people will take these because they have specific dietary needs that are not met by their diets, or because it is recommended by a doctor.

A few different types of vitamin pills exist. These include traditional, coated pills that must be swallowed whole, as well as gel capsules that also must be swallowed whole, but that some people find easier to swallow. Chewable vitamins exist as well, and are popular options for kids or for those who have difficulty swallowing large pills. Vitamin supplements may also be available in liquid or powder form as well. As a general rule, traditional pills taken orally are the least expensive, most common option for most vitamin supplements.

Multivitamin and multimineral supplements are the most common type of vitamin pills, taken as a daily supplement by people of all ages. These include a number of different types of vitamins and minerals intended to boost health. It is important to remember, however, that multivitamin supplements are not intended to make up for an unhealthy diet, and they will not be able to do so. Taking a multivitamin supplement should be done in conjunction with eating a healthy diet that includes nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. In addition to multivitamin supplements, individual vitamin supplements may be taken for specific purposes as well.

An individual might take supplement vitamin pills for a number of reasons. For instance, women may take calcium supplements throughout their lives because they are more prone to bone loss. Vegans or vegetarians might take B-vitamin supplements because the B vitamins are mostly found in animal products. People with weakened immune systems or those who just want to prevent winter colds might start taking an extra vitamin C supplement. These are just some of the many reasons that someone might take additional vitamin pills to supplement an otherwise healthy diet and lifestyle. Questions about which vitamin supplements would be most helpful should always be directed to a doctor or nutritionist in order to learn the proper dosage information for the intended benefit.