What You Need to Know About Multivitamins

Targeted Multivitamins

What they are: Pills formulated for a specific population, such as pregnant women or those worried about a particular condition (like heart disease, osteoporosis, or eye health).

Benefits: Certain people require more or less of certain nutrients. Pregnant women, for instance, are advised to take more folic acid to help prevent birth defects. Consider Twinlab Pre-Natal Care Multi Vitamin ($21 for 120 capsules, vitaminshoppe.com).

Keep in mind: Some specialty multis (such as those touted to help joints) don’t have substantial science behind them. Although they’re probably not harmful, talk to your doctor before taking them.