A multivitamin is a type of dietary supplement . The role is to provide the required amount of all the needed nutrients in the human body in one dose. As the name suggests, it combines different types of vitamins, minerals, dietary enzymes, and other nutrients to support the body throughout the day. While they provide essential nutrients to the body, they do not eliminate the need for a healthy diet . The supplements should only be utilized when assisting nutrient intake for people who need more, especially those suffering from certain illnesses.
What are the advantages of taking multivitamins?
The most obvious advantage of taking multivitamins is that it helps to increase the amount of nutrient intake in the body. However, there are several other benefits of taking the supplements which include;
Decreasing the risk of muscular degeneration as a result of ageing
Preventing the occurrence of chronic diseases
Preventing certain nutrient deficiencies hence reducing the risk of illnesses like cancer. For instance, vitamin D deficiency could result in breast cancer.
The nutrients in the supplements help to prevent defects in newborns when expectant mothers take them. For instance, multivitamins contain folic acid, which helps to prevent neural tube defects.
Preventing the deficiency of B12 especially in vegetarians and vegans
Types of multivitamins
The market is packed with a wide range of multivitamins. All the different types can be categorized into three main groups. They are;
Glandular multivitamins- these types of multivitamins contain nutrients that are harvested from a variety of organs and tissues of certain mammals.
Whole food-based multivitamins- these are the most common and arguably the best types of multivitamins in the market. They contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are sourced from whole foods. The concentrated whole foods are dried before their concentrates are used to make the multivitamins. They contain non-isolated and non-synthetic forms of supplements, so they are considered the best kind of multivitamins.
Standard multivitamins- these supplements contain nutrients that are sourced from synthetic chemically isolated vitamins. However, these are not the best type of multivitamins because they are not easily absorbed into the body. Sometimes, they cause imbalances in the users.
Features to consider in a multivitamin
Below are some factors to look for in your MV;
It should contain vitamin E that is sourced from mixed tocopherols.
Consider the type of vitamin D that is contained in the supplement. The preferred kind is vitamin D3.
Avoid supplements that contain allergens like gluten, dairy, and soy, especially if you have these specific allergies.
Consider a supplement with Methylcobalamin (the best form of B12)
The supplement label should read mixed-carotenoids.
The best type of MV should contain absorbable types of minerals like bond complexes or chelated.
Conclusion
Multivitamins can either be taken once or twice per day, depending on an individual’s dietary needs. Regardless, they have to be taken in the recommended dosage, least there are side effects. The potency of the multivitamin significantly influences the recommended dosages. Also, be keen on storing the MV in a cool and dry place without any humidity.
Health