Benefits of Multivitamins

The world of vitamins and nutrients can be confusing; there are so many individual products, combinations, and then multivitamins. It’s hard to know where to start. That’s where a multivitamin may be the right product for you. Here we discuss the benefits of a multivitamin and whether there is anything to be wary of.

What is a multivitamin?

A multivitamin is a supplement that contains a selection of different vitamins and/or minerals. They come in a wealth of combinations, formats, and sizes, so there will likely be one for everybody. Multivitamins are the most popular type of vitamin supplement sold in the UK.

While it’s possible to get all the vitamins and minerals you need from a healthy diet and lifestyle, a study found that nutrient levels in fruit and vegetables have dropped considerably in the past 70 years due to decreasing mineral levels in the soil.

Who can benefit from a multivitamin?

Those who can benefit are:

• Older people
• Pregnant and breast-feeding women
• Vegetarians and vegans
• Those who suffer from allergies and intolerances
• Anyone with an unbalanced diet
• Someone that has been ill
• People suffering from stress or training hard for a sports event (such as a marathon, tough mudder etc.)
• Individuals who want to take the guesswork out of supplements and take an ‘all-in-one’

Is there anything to worry about?

Any good multivitamin should contain vitamins and minerals in safe doses. Nevertheless, individual supplements could be a better option for some with specific deficiencies. Also, it can be unsafe to take other vitamin supplements with a multivitamin.

Some vitamins (A, D, E and K) are fat-soluble, meaning the body stores them until they are required. The vital thing to bear in mind is that excessive consumption of these vitamins can mean that harmful levels build up in the body. Therefore, it’s worth checking the levels you’re taking to ensure you aren’t exceeding safe quantities. Finally, if you are unsure about what supplements to take, it’s essential to talk to your doctor or a qualified nutritionist to get professional advice.