Geritol^® FAQ

What time of the day should I take Geritol^®?

You can take Geritol^® whenever it is most convenient for you. We recommend that you make Geritol a regular part of your daily routine, so take it at the same time each day. Also, if taken on an empty stomach, vitamin or mineral supplements in some individuals can cause stomach discomfort. For this reason we recommend you take Geritol Complete^® immediately before, during or after a meal because this will reduce the possibility of stomach discomfort.  If you are taking Geritol Tonic, please use daily after a meal, or as directed by a doctor.

Why is the recommended dosage one tablet per day?

One Geritol Complete^® tablet provides both men and women with all essential vitamins plus 17 minerals.  We do not recommend taking more than 1 tablet per day since it contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are fat-soluble vitamins and can build up in the system if too much is taken. More than one tablet a day is unnecessary unless you have an unusual nutritional deficiency. In that case, you should consult your physician. 

How long does it take for Geritol Complete^® to dissolve?

Approximately 30 minutes.

How soon after starting to use Geritol^® will I notice results?

How old do you have to be to use Geritol^®?

Can men take Geritol^® Complete?

Yes. Geritol Complete provides all essential vitamins for both men and women.

Will taking Geritol^® Tablets cause a change in my weight or my appetite?

No. Geritol Tablets alone should not cause a change in your weight or appetite. Each Geritol Tablet contains less than 1 calorie.

Will the use of Geritol^® increase my sex drive or fertility?

There's no evidence that Geritol can increase fertility and we don't make that claim. We're not sure how the rumor got started.

Can I crush the Geritol^® tablet?

The effectiveness of Geritol Complete is not affected by changing the physical form of the tablet.  You can break it in half, or crush it without changing the efficacy.

How do I use Geritol^® Tonic?

1/2 fluid oz or 1 tablespoon daily after a meal or as directed by a doctor. Dosage cup is included.

Is it safe to take Geritol^® if I have heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, am pregnant or nursing?

Geritol^® 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.

Will the Geritol^® High Potency Vitamin and Iron Tonic stain teeth?

Liquid forms of iron medicine tend to stain teeth. To prevent, reduce or remove these stains: mix each dose in water or fruit juice. You may use a drinking tube or straw to help keep the medicine from getting on teeth. When doses of liquid iron medicine are to be given by dropper, the dose may be placed well back on the tongue and followed with water or juice. Iron stains on teeth can usually be removed by brushing with baking soda or hydrogen peroxide (3%).

Why is my urine bright yellow?

Although the color of your urine may show that your body is using and absorbing nutrients, it is not an indication of the efficacy of a vitamin product.  Certain vitamins such as Vitamin C or riboflavin may cause a change in the color of urine. But if you are concerned, you should consult your physician.

What should a person do if Geritol^® (all variants) comes in contact with the eyes or is accidentally ingested?

Eye Contact: Wash immediately with clean and gently flowing water. Continue for at least 15 minutes. Obtain medical attention.

Ingestion: Never attempt to induce vomiting. Wash out the mouth with water. Give plenty of water to drink and obtain medical attention.

The Geritol Tonic label lists Ferrix 18^® on the label. What is this?

Ferrex 18^® is the trademark name for Ferric Ammonium Citrate, the type of iron in Geritol Tonic.

How much iron does Geritol^® contain?

Geritol Complete^® contains 16 mg of elemental iron per tablet. Geritol High Potency Multi-Vitamin and Iron Supplement Tonic contains 18 mg of elemental iron per ½ fl oz (1 Tbsp).

Is the iron in Geritol^® derived from blood?

No. The iron in Geritol Complete^® is Carbonyl iron, which is a very fine powder that has to be absorbed onto a carrier and is therefore referred to as "pure iron micro particles." The iron in Geritol^® Tonic is Ferric Ammonium Citrate.

Is there beta-carotene in Geritol?

Of all the leading brands, Geritol Complete^® gives you the most Beta-Carotene of any leading multi-vitamin.¹ Leading cancer research organizations recommend a diet rich in Beta-Carotene as one possible means of reducing your risk of cancer. That’s because several scientific studies have linked foods high in Beta-Carotene with lower rates of certain types of cancer. Beta-Carotene is abundant in fruits and vegetables like apricots, carrots, broccoli and spinach.



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

What is the form of calcium in Geritol Complete®

Calcium Phosphate, a common, or widely used source of calcium and phosphorous in vitamin/mineral products.    

Are the vitamins and minerals in Geritol^® synthetic?

The vitamins in Geritol^® are synthetic but they are as safe and bio-available as naturally derived vitamins. 

The minerals in Geritol^® are not synthetic. It is impossible to synthesize a mineral. All of the minerals are from natural sources and are, of course, purified.

Where are the minerals in Geritol^® derived from? (What is the source)

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

Are the vitamins and minerals in Geritol^® fat-soluble or water-soluble?

Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble. Vitamin C and all the B Vitamins are water-soluble. The minerals are water-soluble.

Is Geritol^® time-released?

No, Geritol^® is not time-released. It is formulated so that the nutrients are released at a steady rate.

Does Geritol^® contain artificial sweeteners?

No.

If I wash off the red outer coating on the Geritol^® Tablets, would that affect the nutrients?

The vitamins and minerals would not be affected by the removal of the outer red coating. However, the tablets should not be allowed to soak.

Why are the Geritol Complete® Tablets so large?

As with other vitamin and mineral products, size is directly related to the amount of nutrients the product contains. Geritol Complete^® contains 26 vitamins and minerals.

What is the pH of Geritol^® High Potency Vitamin and Iron Tonic?

The pH of Geritol^® High Potency Vitamin and Iron Tonic is 5.

Are Geritol^® products kosher?

Production of Geritol^® products is not supervised by a rabbi. Additionally, we do not know if the raw materials are processed according to kosher requirements.

Why do you use alcohol in Geritol^® Tonic?

Alcohol has a long history of safe use in liquid OTC medications and serves several important purposes. First, alcohol is a solvent, keeping drug interactions from occuring in solution so consumers receive the proper dose. Second, it is a preservative, preventing the growth of harmful bacteria in the bottle. Finally, alcohol can be part of the flavoring system, helping to mask the unpleasant taste of some drug ingredients.

Is there a seal over the opening of the bottle of Geritol^® Tonic?

There is no foil seal, or any seal, over the opening of the Geritol^® Tonic bottle. There is a plastic seal on the outside of the cap that has to be peeled off before the cap can be removed for the first time.

Does Geritol^® contain yeast?

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

Which Geritol^® products have a child-resistant cap?

All Geritol^® products have a child-resistant cap EXCEPT Geritol Complete 40 ct. It has a standard screw cap.

Is there supposed to be cotton in the Geritol Complete^® bottles?

No, there is not cotton in the Geritol^® bottle.

How should Geritol^® be stored?

As stated on the packaging, do not store above 77° F (25° C). For Geritol Tonic, protect the product from freezing.

Why was High-Potency removed from label?

This change to the label (no formulation change) was made due to an FDA request. In order to make the claim “high-potency”, two-thirds of the ingredients must be at or above 100% daily value. For Geritol twelve of the 22 ingredients meet this requirement which is only 55%.

What are vitamins?

Vitamins are a group of chemical compounds needed only in minute quantities in the diet but essential for the body's functions and necessary for normal growth and maintenance of health. Vitamins vary widely in chemical structure and in their body functions. Vitamins regulate metabolism, help convert fat and carbohydrates into energy, and assist in forming bones and tissues.

It is convenient to divide vitamins into two groups on the basis of their chemical properties. 1) fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E and K; 2) water-soluble vitamins: B-Complex and C. Fat-soluble vitamins can be stored in the body and are not normally excreted, whereas the water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body in appreciable amounts; thus, a daily supply is desirable to avoid depletion and interruption of normal physiologic functions. Since the fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body, extremely large doses over a prolonged period can be harmful.

Supplemental vitamins can be chemically synthesized or extracted in their natural form from plants and animals. There is no evidence for the claim of the superiority of natural vitamins over synthetic vitamins.

What are minerals?

Minerals are defined as elements in their simple, inorganic form. The human body contains relatively small amounts of individual minerals. Collectively, only about 4% of man's weight is in the form of minerals. Yet, they play an essential role in the maintenance of the body's metabolic functions and growth.

What are antioxidants? Does Geritol^® contain antioxidants?

Antioxidants are a special group of vitamins and minerals that strengthen your body’s natural defenses against cell damage. Living cells require a large amount of energy to function and survive. However, as cells generate this energy, they create harmful by-products. The body’s natural defense system against these byproducts relies on the use of antioxidant vitamins like beta carotene (a form of Vitamin A), Vitamins C and E and antioxidant minerals such as selenium, copper, zinc and manganese. The antioxidants help neutralize the harmful by-products that can cause cell damage. Antioxidants remove free radicals and prevent tissue damage that could be caused by these chemicals. Free radicals are produced by the body during normal metabolism and can also be induced by cigarette smoke, pollution, UV light and various chemicals.

Antioxidants cannot be made in the body and, therefore, must be obtained from your diet or from vitamin/mineral supplements. Antioxidant-rich foods include primarily citrus fruits and leafy, dark green and yellow/orange vegetables and fruits such as carrots, spinach, strawberries and melons as well as nuts and grains.

Geritol Complete^® contains the complete antioxidants and is helpful in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

What are electrolytes?

Electrolytes are water soluble minerals (notably potassium and chloride) carried by the blood which facilitate the maintenance of proper cellular and organ function.

Are you still making Geritol Extend^®? I’m having a hard time finding it.

No, we are no longer making Geritol Extend^®. It was discontinued in July 2007.