There are sections in the supermarkets devoted to them; celebrities like Jessica Simpson and health gurus swear by them. They've got many alias and uses. So, what is the popular product? Vitamins. And, as you've always been told and will hear once again...they are good for you. Whether it's to strengthen your bones or create shinier hair, vitamins are something to add to every lifestyle.

     We remember to brush our teeth every day; showers daily or every other. In this same aspect, we should make vitamins a habit, as well. But with all the choices, (A, B, C, K, etc.), you can't just pop one off the shelf and into your mouth. That's why mygtmagazine.com took the liberty to research the topic and put everything into a simple, cue and ay form.  Read on to learn about the pills that are actually healthy to take daily -- vitamins...

Depends on the person and situation, explains Troya
Yoder, a freelance fitness writer. Women especially need
to stock up on additional calcium and vitamin D, which
both help to prevent osteoporosis and increase bone
mass. "Women with very heavy menstrual periods may
need extra iron," Yoder explains. Other vital vitamins:

It always depends on the vitamin and its brand. Usually,
the back of the bottle has the correct information, so
always check there first. But, here are the standard doses,
(measured in international units and micrograms - see
vitamin label for more details on the correct amount):

VITAMIN A: 5,000 i.u

VITAMIN B1: 15-30 mcg

VITAMIN C: 60 mcg

VITAMIN E: 200 i.u.

Always take the supplement with a full glass of water,
so it absorbs easily. Nutritionists and doctors all
acknowledge that vitamins are not a replacement for
a healthy diet; but, in addition to one, they can be
beneficial in other aspects, (see question one).
Food first, ladies!

For athletes, and even people who engage in strenuous
exercise, more often than not require more nutrients than
others. This is in part because the physical stress you place
on your body causes it to increase its need for vitamins and minerals, as does the loss of nutrients through perspiration.
Along with a healthy diet, vitamins can improve performance
and also may lessen fatigue for athletes.

A strict vegetarian diet makes it very difficult to get all
the nutrition you need through vitamins, because vitamin
B12 is found in meat and dairy, and without that particular
supplement, you are at high risk for vitamin B12 deficiency.
You also may fail to get the correct amount of calcium, zinc,
and iron from your diet. Vegans, (those who don't eat meat,
dairy, or eggs), need to make sure that they eat a sufficient
amount of breakfast cereal and soy milk that are fortified
with B12 to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

     Scary but true: using too much of a certain vitamin over an extended period of time can result in severe headaches, thinning of the hair, and even vomiting. So, always read the directions before using the supplements. Just like Mom always told you..."Take your vitamins!" Here's to a healthy new you!