Multivitamin supplements are intended to deliver the essential vitamins and minerals that are not adequately consumed within a daily diet regime. A multivitamin supplement has not been scientifically established to prevent the onset of common diseases such as cardiovascular disease or stroke that are rampant in our society. However, if each vitamin is eaten within the daily recommended value put forth by the Food and Drug Administration, it can prevent the occurrence of common conditions and nutritional deficiencies.

Only one multivitamin supplement should be taken daily with a meal. A multivitamin supplement generally should consist of 100% of the recommended dietary allowance for all the vitamins and minerals listed below:

• B Vitamins: B1: 1.4mg, B2: 1.6mg, B3: 18mg, B5: 6mg, B6: 2mg, B12. Is required for brain health and collectively releases energy from food. Additionally, required for normal haemoglobin, DNA and folate synthesis. Excess can lead to heart palpitations and nausea.
• Calcium: 1000mg. Difficult to obtain in one multivitamin thus 5 servings of dairy products should be accompanied. Maintains the structure of bones and teeth.
• Folic acid: Insufficient consumption of this nutrient by pregnant women is correlated to birth defects such as spina bifida.
• Iron: 18 mg for pre-menopausal women and 0-10 mg for men and post-menopausal women. Required for normal haemoglobin function.
• Vitamin A: Essential antioxidant. Not recommended for pregnant women as this can cause birth defects.
• Vitamin C: 75-90mg. Is an important antioxidant that can prevent cancer and premature aging. The vitamin also has anti-septic and anti-bacterial properties.
• Vitamin D: 5ug. Is particularly required for those individuals who are not exposed to adequate levels of sunlight for normal vitamin D synthesis. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets.
• Vitamin E: 10mg. Is the most potent antioxidant studied. Clinical trials have revealed that it can suppress pain associated in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis conditions.
• Vitamin K: Involved in blood clotting processes.
• Zinc: 15mg. Assists in the body’s immune function. For men, zinc is also required to maintain prostate health.

Unlike individualised vitamin supplements, multivitamin supplements acts synergistically to promote biological functions. For example, the combination of vitamin A and D act to maintain blood flow, vitamin C and E prevents the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and vitamin D and calcium wards off osteoporosis. Together, a multivitamin can promote the overall health of the body and mental well-being, increase energy levels and better adapt one’s body to stress.

Vitamins such as C and B cannot be stored in the body due to water soluble properties and renders these vitamins to rapid excretion. Thus organisations marketing their multivitamins supplements with high doses of water soluble vitamins are akin to flushing your money down the toilet. On the contrary, fat soluble vitamins such as A, D and E accumulates in the body for a relatively long time and can lead to toxic effects if overdosed.

Those who are in particular need of multivitamin supplements are those who are chronically ill or are elderly and cannot naturally synthesise vitamins independently. Those adhering to diets, smokers or with busy lifestyles without sufficient access to essential vitamins and minerals should also take a multivitamin supplement. Some of the best multivitamin supplements brands are “centrum" and "one a day” (according to feedback from average consumers). Those who want to save on multivitamin supplements can click here.

Bodybuilders, strength athletes and those who want to maximize their gains in muscle mass, strength and performance, may also benefit from a quality multivitamin supplement. Animal Pak by Universal Nutrition is one of the most popular in the market today. Athletes and bodybuilders can click here to save on multivitamin supplements. Several multivitamin supplements accentuate on particular vitamins and minerals to carter for different groups. For example, iron is predominantly required by premenopausal women, folic acid for pregnant women and calcium for breast feeding and menopausal women. Although for any average individual, such supplements should only act to complement a healthy diet and not replace one.

Please help us serve you better: feel free to contact us here if you have any thoughts, questions, information, requests, or recommendations about multivitamin supplements.

 Go To The Supplements Page >>>

Related Articles:

1. Best Mutivitamin
   

2. Nutrition Label Explained

3. Everything About Fat Burners

4. Diet Snacks Ideas