Why Take a Multivitamin?

We have discussed the benefits of eating healthy on a variety of occasions. Making sure that you fulfill your Daily Nutrient Requirement is very important. Nutrients help in ensuring that the body is safe and sound from diseases and can function properly. However, if an individual cannot fulfill his Daily Nutrient Requirement, he has a substitute; multivitamins! With the help of Multivitamins, an individual can avoid undesirable effects of not getting enough nutrients. People who are actively involved in diets such as Atkins Diet usually require multivitamins.

What to Look for in a Multivitamin

The process of choosing a multivitamin is not as easy as it seems. It requires thorough research.

• It is essential that you read the label before you buy or consume any type of multivitamins.
• Multivitamins are generally a rich source of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium, Borate, Selenium, Iron, Manganese and Potassium.
• Before buying or consuming a multivitamin, take notes of the percentage of minerals and vitamins that it provides.
• It is vital to choose a multivitamin that fulfills your age and sex requirements.
• Every multivitamin has a different amount of Vitamin and Mineral content, so chose the one that may fulfill your particular Nutrient Requirement.

Choosing Multivitamin According to Age and Sex

Multivitamins are designed in different ways to cater to the needs of varying factors. There are specific multivitamins designed for elderly people, for women, for men and women who are pregnant. The percentage of vitamins and minerals present in each type differs greatly.

Children

Scientists are constantly in disagreement as to whether multivitamins should be given to children or not.  Generally speaking, it is asserted that a child can be given multivitamins if he/she has an eating disorder; doesn’t eat well-balance meals; has a chronic disease; food allergy or a restrictive diet.
However, make sure that you do not use multivitamins as a substitute for healthy food. You should take advice from your pediatrician before giving your child any type of multivitamin.

Women  

The multivitamin designed for women aged 18 to 50 usually have higher percentage of Iron and Folic Acid in their supplements. This is because, these nutrients aid in preventing any kind of birth defects in case of unplanned/unknown pregnancy.

Men

Multivitamin supplements for men aged 50 usually have higher percentages of Minerals and Vitamins than women. Multivitamins for men usually have lower amount of Iron since the Iron requirement in men is lower than that of women.

The Elderly

Multivitamins for seniors are designed keeping certain things in mind. As an individual grows older, his/her ability to absorb Calcium, Vitamin B6 and B12 becomes ineffective. This is because the body cannot produce acid to efficiently break down these nutrients. Multivitamins, on the other hand, supplements contain synthetic versions which are easier to break down and absorb.  These multivitamins are targeted towards both males and females of age more than 50.

The Best Form of Multivitamin?

It really depends on your personal choice.  Multivitamins are available in different forms such as Capsules, Tablets, Powders, Gummies, Liquids and Chewable. The most common form of multivitamins is capsules and they are easier to swallow. Each form of multivitamin has different rate of absorption. Liquids can be absorbed faster while pills are absorbed slower. Gel-coated pills and liquids are generally easier to swallow if you have problems swallowing medicine.