It may not come as a surprise, but some women’s multivitamins are a little too one-size-fits-all. Young black women need a specialized health and wellness routine to preserve our #melaninmagic for years to come. In general, it’s best for us to follow a customized health supplement plan. For example, Latina and black women are both more likely to have iron deficiency anemia, but black women need more vitamin D than their Latina counterparts.
Common over the counter women’s multivitamins follow Dietary Reference Intakes from the Food and Nutrition Board, the Institute of Medicine and the National Academies of Sciences, but the guidelines vary by age and gender only. Their recommended dosage does not include the proper amount of vitamins black women need.
According to black fitness and nutrition resource BDO Next, below is a list of vitamins Black women tend to need more than other ethnicities. Use this list to start the conversation of a customized health supplement plan with your physician or medical care provider.
- – Vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K
- – Folic Acid
- – Iron
- – Calcium
- – Magnesium
There are products available specifically for ethnicities who need a higher supplement amount per serving. Pure Vegan and Pure Advantage, both brands under the parent company Nutritional Brands, offer vitamin D and folic acid products well over the recommended amount found within other popular multivitamins.
These products are also available in spray form, as sprays are known to be more effective in activating the saliva glands than capsules, and allow the vitamins to enter the bloodstream quickly and efficiently.
Young black women need to consider not only the type of vitamins they consume but also the time of day consumed. It should be taken into consideration that there are vitamins that are better absorbed by the body if taken in the morning or with food, such as iron and fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E and K). Also, be careful to plan your morning caffeination properly when you take these vitamins.
Note: Consult with a physician or medical care provider before adopting a customized health supplement plan, as some supplements may adversely interact with current medications.
Ready. Set. Boss. Our daily email is pouring out inspiration with the latest #BlackGirlBossUp moments, tips on hair, beauty and lifestyle to get you on track to a better you! Sign up today.