So many people choose to take multivitamins to ensure their bodies are getting all the necessary nutrients. That’s because you could intentionally incorporate a rich diet into your daily meals and still miss out on essential vitamins for various reasons.
Since a lot of vitamins are gotten from food, many people don’t see the importance of taking extra vitamins. However, if you have ever wondered if multivitamins are really worth it, here is a guide that provides the answers to some of the most asked questions on the topic.
What are multivitamins?
Multivitamins, as the name suggests, contain more than one vitamin or mineral in either tablet, liquid, capsules, chewable gummies, or powder form. They are useful for people who are not getting enough nutrients from their food.
Most multivitamin supplements will contain base vitamins like Vitamin C, Iron, or calcium. However, it’s important to note that multivitamins only act as supplements and should not replace a healthy and balanced diet. In fact, multivitamins should be taken alongside a healthy diet.
Why are multivitamins important?
Not everyone can enjoy a rich, varied diet. Some people are allergic to certain food groups or have personal beliefs or aversions to some types of food. This means that not everybody can rely totally on their diet or benefit from the wide range of vitamins and minerals supplied by various foods. However, there are many other reasons why people take vitamins.
The truth is, some people who rely heavily on vitamins do not even need them. One of the major reasons why some people may require certain multivitamins is usually health-related. Eating a balanced diet should normally give everyone all the nutrients they need.
However, this is not always the case as some have health conditions that make it harder for the body to benefit from certain vitamins solely from food sources. So, a multivitamin can be prescribed to ensure the body gets all the vitamins/minerals it requires to function normally and properly.
Plus, there are so many multivitamins on the market that are made specifically for certain health deficiencies, lifestyles, ages, and genders. For children, women, or men that need extra support for proper growth, healthy pregnancies, or glowing skin – multivitamins can assist with that.
It is true that some people argue about the relevance and potency of multivitamins. Others condemn people who take these supplements without finding out if their body needs them. Regardless of the controversies surrounding multivitamin supplements, the truth remains that they do give peace of mind. People who combine healthy diets with multivitamins can at least be sure that their bodies are getting all the nutrition it requires to run efficiently.
How regularly should multivitamins be taken?
It is possible to overdose on multivitamins. As essential as these supplements are, just like any drug or food for that matter, they must not be taken in excess. This means that multivitamins should not be taken arbitrarily. While most multivitamins are taken once daily, it’s important to either adhere to the instructions on the pack or follow the doctors’/physicians’ orders.
What vitamins should I look out for?
The vitamins you need in your multivitamin will entirely depend on your situation. However, some of the major vitamins people look out for are:
Vitamin D: It helps support a healthy immune system and supports normal muscle function.
Iron: Helps the body metabolize other drugs effectively. (If you have an iron deficiency it’s important to take iron supplements, especially as a pregnant woman).
Folic acid: This is also recommended for pregnant women for the healthy development of the fetus in the first three months. It’s also a great idea to take folic acid months before conception.
Vitamin C: Helps protect and promote healthy cells, skin, bones, cartilage, and blood vessels.
