What About a Multivitamin?

  Contributed by: Sarah Hare, Pharm.D.

                        Pharmacy Clinical Services Coordinator
Text Box: What is a multivitamin? Multivitamins are products which contain a combination of vitamins and may include minerals. Vitamins are natural substances that your body needs to grow, develop, and function normally. Vitamins are contained in food, so a well-balanced diet usually provides all of the vitamins your body requires. During various times in life (such as pregnancy and childhood) your body may require more vitamins. Some diseases may also affect the way our body uses vitamins. Who should take a multivitamin? People prescribed a multivitamin includes: Anyone who needs extra vitamins Who cannot eat enough food to get the required vitamins Who cannot receive the full benefit of the vitamins contained in the food they eat How do multivitamins come? Multivitamins come in tablets, chewable, capsules, and liquid. They are made in children, adult, pregnancy, senior adult, special population (such Text Box: as kidney disease) formulations. Multivitamins are available by prescription and over-the-counter. How is a multivitamin taken? Multivitamins are usually taken once a day. It is important to follow the directions on the package carefully and take only as directed. Some liquid vitamins come with a dropper that is specially marked to measure each dose. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as your remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular schedule. Do NOT take a double dose. Who should not take multivitamins? Don’t take multivitamins without talking with your pharmacist or physician if: You take prescription medications (especially “blood thinners”) You are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding You are allergic to any ingredient What side-effects can occur with multivitamins? Multivitamins can cause upset stomach Text Box: and unpleasant taste. If these are severe or do not go away, tell your physician. Where can I find more information? Talk with your pharmacist or physician if you are thinking about taking a multivitamin. You can also visit: www.medicinenet.com/multivitamin-mineral-antioxidant-oral/article.htm www.webmd.com and search Multivitamin Text Box: Previous Page Text Box: 13600 S. Blackbob Olathe, KS 66062 (913) 782-2039 2724 W 53rd St Fairway, KS 66205 913-236-4983 6900 W. 135th Street Overland Park, KS 66223 (913) 814 WELL (9355) Text Box: 8120 Parallel Parkway Kansas City, KS 66109 (913) 334-1660 6238 N. Chatham Road Kansas City, MO 64151 (816) 746-1475 1015 N.E. Rice Road Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 (816) 525-1479 Text Box: Sprint Campus 6450 Sprint Parkway Overland Park, KS 66251 (913) 315-8646 Merriam Town Center 5800 Antioch Rd. Merriam, KS 66202 (913) 831-4140 Text Box: Balls Hen House Pharmacies