Check what a multivitamin is used for, what are the indications for this type of supplement, when it should be taken and all its benefits.

There is still no standard definition of what it takes to be a multivitamin, what nutrients specifically it should have, and in what amounts, but overall, it’s a combination of many vitamins, minerals, and sometimes other ingredients.

Multivitamins are generally available in tablet, capsule, soluble powder or gum form. According to diet nutritionist Beth Warren, founder of Beth Warren Nutrition and author of Living a Real Life with Real Food , there are some vitamins and minerals commonly found in a variety of multivitamins, such as calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, various B vitamins , vitamin A, vitamin L, potassium, selenium, iodine, zinc, borate, manganese, beta-carotene, molybdenum and iron.

There are many types of multivitamins on the market and a few variations: for example, some are designed for children, others for women, pregnant women, men, or the elderly.

Among the most common are the basics, to be taken once a day, which contain all or most vitamins and minerals. Most contain amounts close to the recommended amounts. The high potency ones often come in packs of two or more pills to take daily.

What is a multivitamin for

Multivitamins are used to provide vitamins that are not in your diet and are useful for treating vitamin deficiencies caused by illness, pregnancy, poor nutrition, digestive disorders, and many other conditions.

You may be trying to follow a healthy diet, but even so, you may not be getting the recommended amount of daily nutrients from food alone.

In fact, a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that only 1 in 10 adults meet the recommendations for how much fruit or vegetables to consume per day.

With that, the multivitamin serves precisely to complement a healthy diet.

However, you must take the supplements that are right for you. If a person eats about five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day, he doesn’t need to worry. However, if you have a typical Western diet and consume far less than that, you have probably created a vitamin deficiency and supplementation is necessary.

Here are some of the most important reasons to take and a summary of what a multivitamin is for:

Good for eye health: Vitamins A, C, E, Niacin (B3) and selenium support eye health. Lutein and zeaxanthin also protect the eyes from harmful light waves. Studies have shown that multivitamins containing a combination of vitamins, lutein and zeaxanthin can reduce the risk of macular degeneration.

Good for the heart: Studies show that taking a high-quality multivitamin can reduce cardiovascular disease. Vitamins B1, B2, B6, K1, Niacin (B3), CoQ10 and magnesium play an important role in cardiovascular health.

Water Soluble Vitamins: Excess fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) are stored in the body, while water soluble vitamins (B and C) are not. Excess water-soluble vitamins simply travel through the body, which means you need to take in these essential vitamins daily.

Healthy Aging: As people age, their nutritional needs increase, while at the same time it becomes more difficult for the body to absorb nutrients, and medications can further deplete the body’s nutrient levels. A multivitamin can make up for these deficiencies.

Healthy Hair and Skin: New research says that people who want healthier hair should consume vitamins B3 (niacin), biotin and vitamin C, and those who want healthy skin should consume vitamins A, C, E and CoQ10.

Boosts Immunity: Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant known to strengthen the immune system. Vitamins D and E also boost immunity, and all of these vitamins can also help reduce allergy symptoms.

Feeling better: Thanks in large part to the B vitamin complex, taking a multivitamin is associated with increased energy levels, feelings of well-being, as well as a decrease in stress and anxiety. That alone is reason enough to keep your vitamins up to date.

When to take a multivitamin

The best time to take a multivitamin is in the morning with a meal. However, there are some supplements that can help you sleep better when taken just before bed, so the best time to take your vitamins will depend on what the multivitamin you are taking is used and what effects it expects to have on your health. .

Vitamins that may be better taken in the morning:

• Vitamin C;
• D vitamin;
• Certain B-complex vitamins .

Vitamins and supplements that may be best taken at night around bedtime include:

• Magnesium;
• Vitamin B3 (niacin).

Now that you know what a multivitamin is for and when to take it, when choosing yours, research the manufacturers, and as always before starting any supplementation, talk to your doctor.