Flintstones vitamins are a typical choice for children, but after childhood, choosing the appropriate supplements to take gets complicated.

Whether it is a super-center or grocery store, the rows of vitamins, herbs and supplements to choose from can be overwhelming, but when used correctly they can positively impact physical and mental health.

Justin Probst, junior in agricultural business, takes a multivitamin when he thinks his body is need of one.

“If I think I’m getting sick, I’ll start to take a multivitamin to make sure I’m getting all the nutrients I need,” Probst said. “Also, if I know I haven’t been eating healthy, I will sometimes take them.”

Tiffany Lichty-Gaffey, pharmacist at the west Ames Hy-Vee, 3800 Lincoln Way, said for the most part, a basic multi-vitamin is sufficient for the needs of college-aged students.

“Generally what we are looking at is a one-a-day essential. It’s a great starting point for someone college-aged without having further direction from a doctor,” Lichty-Gaffey said.

Some multivitamins may cater more toward men or women, but in your 20s the differences are minimal.

“For the most part, they are actually the same,” Lichty-Gaffey said. “Sometimes they add more calcium to the women’s vitamins.”

Before taking any type of supplement, a health professional should be consulted to assess specific needs and any potential reaction the supplements may have with other medicines. Lichty-Gaffey said that at times additional vitamins are beneficial, but factors such as age, family history and risk factors should all be taken into account.