As the makers of Geritol®, we embrace the concept of balance wholeheartedly, but what does that mean when it comes to multivitamins? The balance between your life and your career is important. The balance between personal space and public space is important. Likewise, we feel like balance between daily diet and daily supplement is important.

To lead a rich, energetic and full life, it’s paramount that you eat well, drink plenty of water and exercise every single day. That information has been well documented in scientific journals as well as fitness and fashion magazines. We know it to be true. But we also know that in the real world it’s not always possible to eat the best foods. This is where balance comes into the picture.

A multivitamin supplement like Geritol® is exactly that – a supplement, or an add-on that provides nutritional support. It does not replace the leafy greens or the colorful fruits that you should be eating, but it provides close to 100% of the recommended daily value of 12 of the 26 essential vitamins and minerals that you need on a daily basis.

A lot more people are interested in where the ingredients in their foods and supplements come from, or where they are sourced. Geritol® liquid contains one mineral, iron, whereas there are 12 minerals in Geritol® multivitamin including:

• IRON =(16mg) - Sourced from Carbonyl Iron FCC
• PHOSPHORUS (118mg) - Sourced from Calcium Phosphate USP
• IODINE (120mcg) Potassium Iodide USP
• MAGNESIUM (86mg) - Sourced from Magnesium Oxide USP
• ZINC (13.5mg) - Sourced from Zinc Oxide USP
• COPPER (1.8mg) - Sourced from Cupric Oxide
• MANGANESE (2.4mg) - Sourced from Manganese Sulfate Monohydrate
• CHROMIUM (12mcg) - Sourced from Chromium Chloride Hexahydrate
• MOLYBDENUM (1mcg) - Sodium Molybdate Dihydrate
• SELENIUM (1mcg) - Sourced from Sodium Selenate
• CHLORIDE (20mg) - From various sources as chloride salts of other minerals Potassium Chloride primarily.
• POTASSIUM (36mg) - Sourced from Potassium Iodide USP, Potassium Chloride USP

The minerals in both Geritol® products are derived from mineral salts, with the exception of iron. Iron is supplied in its purest form, called carbonyl iron. Some of the inorganic salts used are potassium iodide (iodine), sodium metavanadate (valadium), and magnesium oxide.

You may have read on someone's blog or a forum online that taking Geritol® will increase your fertility or help your chances of getting pregnant. Please consider the source… the internet is full of quick fixes and miracle solutions, and if it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.

There is, unfortunately, no evidence that specifically taking Geritol® can increase your fertility or your chances of getting pregnant. We don't make any fertility claims, and we're not quite sure how the rumor got started.

If you are trying to conceive, talk to your doctor about taking a prenatal vitamin that is specially formulated to support your body’s unique needs during pregnancy. The use of Geritol® multivitamins has not been studied in pregnant women. It is not a substitute for a prenatal vitamin.

Yes, Geritol® multivitamin contains beta-carotene. In fact, of all the leading brands of multivitamins, Geritol® multivitamin gives you the most beta-carotene of any multivitamin.¹

Why is beta-carotene important in your diet? It's actually a pigment in food, a nutrient classified as a “carotenoid” and is converted to vitamin A by your body. Vitamin A is an antioxidant and is essential for the immune system, your vision and overall normal body functioning.

HOW TO SPOT IT Beta-carotene makes up the dark-colored pigments found in fruits and vegetables – so it can be easy to identify in colorful foods. Beta-carotene is abundant in produce like apricots, carrots, broccoli and spinach.

Sources: ¹IRI 52 weeks ending 1/24/2010

Geritol® multivitamin contains 16 mg of elemental iron per tablet, or 90% of the daily value for iron, in the form of carbonyl iron. Carbonyl is a lesser known and gentler form of iron when compared to more common iron salts, such as ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate.

HOW IS CARBONYL A GENTLER IRON?

Carbonyl is gentler because it is a pure form of iron that requires your stomach’s acid to break it down for absorption. This process of natural regulation by the body prolongs the iron absorption and makes carbonyl gentler on the system.

The vitamins in Geritol® multivitamin are synthetic, but they are as safe and bio-available as naturally derived vitamins. However, the minerals in Geritol® are not synthetic. (It is not possible to synthesize a mineral.)

All of the minerals are from natural sources and are, of course, purified. The minerals in all Geritol® products are derived from mineral salts, with the exception of iron. Iron is supplied in its purest form, carbonyl iron. Some of the inorganic salts used are potassium iodide (iodine), sodium metavanadate (valadium), and magnesium oxide.

No, Geritol® multivitamin is not a time-release multivitamin. However, Geritol® is specially formulated so that the nutrients are released at a steady rate.

A “time-release” caplet or capsule usually has a chemical coating that slowly releases the nutrients over a prolonged period of time. Geritol® multivitamin does not have a time-release chemical coating.

It is worth noting that the type of iron used in Geritol® is carbonyl iron, a gentler form of iron when compared to more common iron salts because its absorption is naturally regulated by your body. This prolonged absorption is due to the form of iron and not a chemical coating and helps make it gentler on your system than other irons.

Yes. Although it is not stated on the bottle, the ingredients in Geritol® multivitamin are gluten-free.

The “gluten-free” seal is appearing on more and more food products and supplements in the grocery aisles, so you might be wondering why. There is a growing awareness of celiac disease, as well as gluten intolerance, where the body launches an immune response in the presence of the gluten protein. The only medically accepted treatment for celiac disease is the adoption of a gluten-free diet. Gluten® is found in common grains, such as wheat and rye, but is also present in unlikely foods and products as a stabilizer or thickening agent.

If you are looking for a gluten-free multivitamin, Geritol® multivitamin is a prime, well-balanced choice for those with celiac disease.

Yes. The B vitamins in Geritol® are derived from a yeast source.

Geritol® multivitamin is safe when used as directed.

However, if you are taking any prescription medication, are under the care of a physician for a medical condition, such as heart problems, high blood pressure or diabetes, consult with your physician before using any medication or nutritional supplement.

If you are worried about washing away valuable nutrients, good news for you! The nutritional value of the vitamins and minerals inside of the tablet will not be affected if you decide to remove the red outer coating of a Geritol® multivitamin tablet. Just follow our tips below.

TIPS FOR REMOVING THE COATING:

However, if you wish to do this, be advised that you should not soak the tablets in water in order to remove or wash away the outer red coating. Instead, simply rinse the tablets under briskly running water and pat to dry.

A woman who is pregnant or nursing has different vitamin and mineral requirements than someone who is not, so always consult your doctor or healthcare provider.

Geritol® multivitamin is safe when used as directed. However, if you are taking any prescription medication, are under the care of a physician for a medical condition, or are pregnant or nursing, consult with your physician before using any medication or nutritional supplement. The use of Geritol® multivitamin has not been studied in pregnant women. It is not a substitute for a prenatal vitamin.