Multivitamins

Multivitamins are dietary supplements which contain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that we need but often do not get enough of in our diets. Although the composition of multivitamins varies greatly between different brands, multivitamins are the most commonly consumed supplements and have been increased in popularity over time.

Multivitamins often come in tablet or capsule form to easily standardise dosage and make consumption easy.

 

Multivitamin Ingredients

There are 13 vitamins and 16 minerals that are essential to our health. While there is no standardised formula for a multivitamin, they often contain essential vitamins such as vitamin C, B2, K, and D, and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, iodine, zinc, selenium, and calcium.

 

Multivitamin Uses

Multivitamins can be taken by anyone, but benefits are most notable for older adults and pregnant women, or those who may not ingest adequate nutrients through diet alone. 

Pregnant women are often advised to take vitamins containing folate, also known as folic acid. Folate is a B vitamin that is extremely important for the developing foetus, as it supports healthy development during this period of rapid growth. 

If you have a nutrient deficiency, multivitamins can often be used to supplement your body’s natural levels of certain vitamins and minerals. There are hundreds of multivitamin options available, so you can choose a supplement which best suits your needs. Sometimes taking a multi-ingredient supplement can have advantages over a single purpose supplement, as they can contain cofactors to help aid absorption of the main vitamin or mineral.

 

Should I take Multivitamins?

If you believe you are deficient in certain nutrients, consult your doctor about the best course of action. If you decide to take multivitamins, be sure to choose the best quality supplements on the market.

 

Dosage and Side Effects of Multivitamins

Multivitamin formulas are generally a combination of several vitamins and minerals, included at a safe dose. Multivitamins are available without a prescription and can be used safely by most people, however some people may experience side effects. These can vary depending on the ingredients used in the multivitamin.

If you are unsure whether multivitamins are right for you, particularly if you are pregnant or have an ongoing health condition, consult your doctor before taking multivitamins. If you experience any side effects stop taking the supplement and consult your doctor for advice.