Multivitamins on spoons with leaves

Do Multivitamins Work? Why We Need Vitamins

The human body is incredibly complex and we still don’t fully understand it. However, what we do know is that we all need a balanced diet to survive and this is because a varied diet ensures our bodies get a range of vitamins and minerals essential for the body’s proper function.

Why should I take Multivitamins?

If you’re wondering “why do we need vitamins” or “do vitamins even work” you are not alone. There is a lot of confusion about which vitamins we need and where we can get them. For those who are worried about getting enough vitamins from their diet, a multivitamin offers a simple and effective way to ensure you’re getting everything you need. Adding this simple step to your daily routine could help you to ensure your body has everything it needs to stay strong and healthy.

Why do we need vitamins?

Vitamins are used for everything from new cell production, to aiding healing and they are key in supporting proper immune system function. If you notice you get sick more often than those around you, it could be because you are lacking in certain vitamins.

Vitamins are also essential for strong bones, and avoiding conditions such as osteoporosis.

How do we get enough vitamins?

Your body can produce some vitamins, such as Vitamin K which is produced by bacteria in the digestive system, but some vitamins can only come from your environment. 

For most of the year, your body can produce vitamin D when you spend time in the sun, but for those with darker skin and those who live in northern climates, a vitamin D supplement is recommended.

Your diet is also an essential source of vitamins and minerals. For example, most people get calcium from dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurt. Most of the calcium in your body is stored in your bones, and if you aren’t getting enough from your diet, your body will take from its stores leading to some issues mentioned before like weaker bones.

While dairy is an excellent source of calcium, if you are lactose intolerant, vegan, or just don’t like dairy products, you might not be getting enough from your diet alone. In this case, a calcium supplement or a multivitamin can help to ensure you’re getting everything you need.

Can I take too many vitamins?

Yes, some vitamins can be harmful if you take too much. For example, too much vitamin C can lead to nausea and stomach cramps, and too much potassium can lead to heart problems.

It is quite hard to get too many vitamins, especially from your diet alone. If you eat a lot of fortified and enriched foods, you might not need to take a daily supplement and be sure to check the suggested doses or consult your doctor before starting supplements.

Vitamins are added to a lot of foods such as cereals, granola bars, juices and bread. This can help those who aren’t taking daily vitamin supplements ensure they are getting enough vitamins, but, like with supplements it’s important to be aware of the vitamin content in your food so that you don’t take too much.

Which vitamins do I need every day?

There are 13 essential vitamins:

  • Vitamins A
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin K
  • Thiamine
  • Riboflavin
  • Niacin
  • Pantothenic acid
  • Biotin
  • B6
  • B12
  • Folate

The amount of each vitamin you require will depend on your age and gender. Some health conditions may also alter your daily requirement. You can learn more about daily vitamin nutrition requirements here. 

There are also seven minerals that your body needs to function. These stores need to be topped up regularly to ensure your body can function correctly. These are:

  • Calcium
  • Chloride
  • Magnesium
  • Phosphorus
  • Potassium
  • Sodium
  • Sulfur

Most people are unable to keep track of what they eat, and few will know how much of the recommended daily intake of each vitamin is contained in their food. This is why multivitamins are so popular. 

By taking a multivitamin that is specific to your age group and gender, you can avoid any confusion. Supplements are available for different age groups and specific conditions. For example, if you are trying to get pregnant, there are supplements available that will help to support your body through this.

If you are unsure which supplement is right for you, get in touch with our friendly team. We can help to guide you through the available supplements to determine which one is right for you.

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