Sometimes, the information about multivitamins can get a little overwhelming. Are they necessary? Do we need to take one every day? What is marketing hype and what is fact?

Even the National Institutes of Health says not enough evidence exists to make recommendations about taking multivitamins for disease prevention. So just what is the scoop?

According to April's Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource, here are some common questions and the answers to clear up the confusion – hopefully.

√  Who needs a multivitamin?

The best source of needed nutrients is a balanced diet.

Doctors, nutritionists and dietitians continue to recommend multivitamins if your body’s ability to get or absorb proper amounts of nutrients from foods is impeded by:

•  health conditions;

•  dietary choices;

•  lifestyle habits;

•  medications.

For example, people over 60 are often encouraged to take a multivitamin because getting older can affect the body’s ability to absorb vitamins, such as B-12 – a nutrient that may reduce the risk of anemia – and vitamin D, which helps maintain bone strength.

√  What kind of multivitamin is best?

Inexensive brands that offer the basics are as good as more expensive options. Labels should indicate that the multivitamin includes 100 percent of the Daily Value (DV) of most essential nutrients.

Large doses, or more than the label recommends, of nutrients and extras, such as herbs, enzymes and amino acids, should be avoided because of possible health risks.

√  Is iron necessary in a multivitamin?

For pre-menopausal women, multivitamins with iron can help replenish iron lost during menstruation. Following menopause, iron obtained through diet is usually sufficient.

√  Are other supplements needed, too?

Not necessarily, but there are exceptions. Most multivitamins don’t provide the amount of calcium women need, especially during and after menopause when bone loss accelerates.

After 50, women should get 1,200 to 1,500 milligrams of calcium daily. Calcium is absorbed best when taken several times a day in amounts of 500 milligrams or less.

If you’re a women during childbearing years, check with your doctor about taking folic acid, which reduces the risk of spinal cord defects in developing fetuses.

√  Is input from a doctor needed?

Yes. Physicians need to know about vitamins and supplements their patients take because some may not be recommended with certain health conditions. A doctor also can advise when certain supplements could provide health benefits based on the patient’s age, health and diet.

•  A chart of the 13 “essential vitamins” our bodies need

•  A chart of critical minerals our bodies need

•  Vim, Vigor, and Vitamins

•  Mineral Maintenance

•  Multivitamins, Multi Questions

•  U.S. National Library of Medicine