Most people want to improve their health, particularly if they can do it easily. Since the way modern food is processed can destroy nutrients, many people choose to supplement their diets by taking vitamin pills. What are the best vitamin supplements to maximize health? Here is a suggested list.

Always consult your physician before you start taking vitamins. Your medical advisor is the only person who can determine what the best vitamin supplements and dosages are for you.

The basics

A multivitamin tablet is a great foundation when looking for the best vitamin supplements. It will contain some of all the basic vitamins and minerals you need and in some cases, a full dose. For example, the amount of Vitamin A in multivitamins is plenty and a separate Vitamin A tablet won't be needed.

Vitamin B complex, which includes 11 different B vitamins, contributes to the health of the nervous system. It is beneficial for medication overuse, alcoholism or recovery from a serious illness. B vitamins assist in reducing the effects of stress and support the adrenal glands. They aid in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins and are essential for the health of your skin, hair, eyes, mouth and liver.

Vitamin B-3 is also known as niacin or niacinamide. It helps maintain healthy functioning of the nervous system, digestive system and skin.

Vitamin B-6 combats carpal tunnel syndrome, joint pain, trigger finger, sensitivity to bright light, burning or tingling in the extremities and inability to recall dreams. It works in combination with magnesium and zinc.

Vitamin B-12 is used as a tonic. It assists in the conversion of iron to hemoglobin in the blood, helps normalize hormone production and increases short-term memory in the elderly. It also contributes to nervous system health.

Folic acid is an essential B vitamin that promotes heart health. Pregnant women need ample supplies of folic acid to reduce the risk of serious birth defects in their babies.

About the author:

Jean Feingold is a copywriter for Catalogs.com. Catalogs.com is the Internet's leading source for print and online catalog shopping - and a growing hub of original content and "how to" information at http://www.catalogs.com>www.catalogs.com.