You may wonder if it does any good for you to take a multivitamin and fish oil supplement at the same time. Is taking both really necessary? Consider the following to help you decide if taking both a multivitamin and a fish oil supplement makes sense for you.
Are Supplements of High-Quality and Tested For Purity?
Supplement purity should be your number one consideration. When considering any nutritional supplement, quality is key. Make sure your multivitamin and fish oil supplement come from a company that prioritizes quality. You can find out more about the quality of GNC multivitamins.
When it comes to finding a quality fish oil supplement, look for formulas that contain the Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA and have their potency clearly marked. Purity is also important. You want a formula that has been purified to reduce heavy metals and other contaminants.
Can You Take A Multivitamin And Fish Oil Supplements Together?
You may have heard that fish oil supplements are naturally high in vitamins A and D – that’s not always the case. Most traditional fish oil supplements (from the oil in fish meat) do not contain significant amounts of vitamin A or D. Fish liver oils, such as cod liver oil, on the other hand, do contain significant levels of vitamins A and D and may potentially result in exceeding the recommended daily intake if taken with a multivitamin.
While it is important to read the supplement facts label, taking a fish oil supplement and a multivitamin together should not be a concern. Talk to your physician, such as your primary care physician or or a virtual doctor through GNC Health, if you have specific questions about the right supplements for you.
Do You Need Both?
Taking both a multivitamin and a fish oil supplement is not necessary, but together they can seriously complement your diet.
The purpose of a multivitamin is to fill the nutritional gaps for nutrients that you are not getting sufficiently from food. While it is possible to meet your daily recommended nutrients through diet alone, it’s hard to maintain a balanced diet every day, especially if you’re following a lower calorie diet. Plus, while a multivitamin with minerals can cover your basic vitamin and mineral needs, most do not provide a source of healthy fat. That’s where the fish oil supplement comes in. Combining a fish oil supplement with your daily multivitamin complements your overall nutritional profile.
Could You Be Missing Key Nutrients from your Supplements?
Still not sure if you need both? Take the quiz below. If you answered “no” to one or more of the following questions, you might be missing key nutrients in your diet. If that’s the case, taking a multivitamin and a fish oil supplement might support your shortfalls and help you be the best you.
1.) Do you eat 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day?
2.) Do you consume at least 3 servings of dairy products a day?
3.) Do you eat the recommended 8-ounces of fish per week?
4.) Are you currently on a low-calorie diet or on a diet that limits certain food groups?