First of all, I should tell you that, despite many claims made by various companies, and people who think they know a lot about nutrition, you can get a good daily multivitamin right off the shelf at any drugstore, grocery store, or big box retailer, such as Walmart, Kroger, or Walgreens.

As I have often pointed out in previous articles which have been published around the Internet, including Who Needs to Take Vitamins, most of us just do not get the nutrition we need from the foods we eat. I do not take the conspiracy theory approach, and I am not a scientist with access to studies and huge amounts of data. I simply know that we need certain nutrients, and here, in this article, I am discussing vitamins and minerals, and bringing up the fact that, despite a high standard of living and availability of a huge range of foods from around the world, we do not eat in a way that will allow us to get what we need from the foods we eat.

I won't go into details here, as I have referred you to the article which covers my thoughts on the subject.

However, I am writing this review of the best multivitamin I personally use to give you an option to consider once you decide to take control of your health...at least the nutritional part of it.

Despite negative claims by purists, and those pitching their own products, you will probably improve your health quite effectively with multivitamins such as Centrum, One-A-Day, and even store brand copies of the name brands. However, I do suggest you consider Shaklee's Vita Lea multivitamin for a number of reasons. I, presently 74 years old, have used it myself for several years, and feel that it is superior to many over-the-counter multivitamins for a number of reasons which I will now discuss.

The Shaklee multivitamin product is now known as Shaklee's Vita Lea multivitamin, was introduced over 100 years ago, in 1915. The Shaklee company has been improving and making it more effective ever since. Over that period, millions of satisfied customers, including my wife and myself, have taken Shaklee's multivitamin product and been highly satisfied with the tangible results they have experienced. And Shaklee backs up that expectation of results with a full money-back guarantee.

Shaklee assures the satisfaction of those millions of customers with over 300 separate tests for quality, purity, and potency every time their Vita Lea multivitamin is produced.

But what is it about Shaklee's Vita Lea multivitamins which sets them apart from other, over-the-counter multivitamins, which I just said were okay?

First of all, the company itself. Shaklee prides itself on its environmental integrity and its dedication to the health sciences. It has gone out of its way to make sure that its ingredients and processes are as environmentally friendly as possible, and it has encouraged and sponsered research and publication of findings in health sciences fields. It has a team dedicated to a daily review of the health information and data flowing in from around the world, and makes this data available to Shaklee distributors, customers, and the general public without cost or consideration.

A long established and reputable corporation, Shaklee believes in using the most natural and effective ingredients and methods possible in all its products.

In reference to Shaklee Vita Lea multivitamins, their proprietary formulation offers the following benefits in relation to most other multivitamins:

Two times the Beta Carotene of most other multivitamin products. Beta Carotene is a precursor of Vitamin A, which plays an important role in vision, cell division, and cell differentiation. Beta Carotene also helps regulate the immune system and protects cells from damage from free radicals. It is designed to only release vitamin A (which can be toxic in extremely high doses) when your body actually needs it, assuring your body maintains the right balance.

Two times the Vitamin C, another antioxidant vital to the immune system.

Two times the Vitamin E. Another antioxidant, the form used in the Shaklee Vita Lea compound is a natural vitamin E, which has excellent bioavailability, which means it is better absorbed and retained than the synthetic form found in many competing daily multivitamin products. Vitamin E supports heart and prostate health and promotes lung, colon, and immune function.

Three times the Selenium which appears to help protect the lung, colon, and prostate. While other vitamin manufacturers may use an inorganic form, Shaklee Vita Lea uses a more easily used natural form. Selenium also helps the body eliminate some metal toxins.

Two times the Calcium. Well known for helping the body avoid osteoporosis through its bone-strengthening effect, Calcium also helps with many aspects of the nervous system, and helps the body use Vitamin D.

Six times the Boron. This vital mineral affects hormones that impact bone health and also aids in the proper metabolism of vitamins and minerals involved with bone development.

Two times the Magnesium, which appears to maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keep the heart rhythm steady, support a healthy immune system (always important), and help keep bones strong.

Three times the Vitamin K, the "heart vitamin" which also is critical for building bones.

Ten times the Biotin, which helps the body produce energy from protein and fats. Many other vitamin manufacturers cut back on this important, and expensive, nutrient while Shaklee Vita Lea multivitamin supplies 100% of the Daily Value.

So, as I said earlier in this best multivitamin review, you CAN go to the grocery store and pick up an "okay" multivitamin. You WILL benefit from taking it regularly, However, if you want to do the best you can for your health, and that of your family, you might want to consider trying Shaklee Foundation Essentials multivitamins and experience the difference for yourself.