Are Multivitamins actually required?
It is very important to note that multivitamins and supplements are not to be used as a substitute for meals.
If you eat a healthy balanced diet, a multivitamin may not offer much additional benefit. Chances are you’ll meet your daily Vitamin requirements.
If however, you only manage to eat moderately well, or your diet isn’t as good as it should be or you don’t consume a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables and any other nutritional foods, a multivitamin will likely be beneficial and may provide the extra nutritional support that your body may require.
Using a multivitamin as an insurance policy is a good way of looking at it, a daily guarantee to ensure your body gets the vitamins and minerals it needs and can make up for the shortfalls that happen when you don’t get what you need through food.
A few Benefits of taking multivitamins
Support healthy aging. As you get older, your body has a harder time absorbing nutrients from food. At the same time, your nutritional needs increase. Medications can further deplete our body of nutrients. A multivitamin can offset these deficiencies.
Good for your heart: Studies show that taking a high-quality multivitamin may reduce cardiovascular disease. Vitamins B1, B2, B6, K1, Niacin (B3), CoQ10 and magnesium, all play a role in cardiovascular health.
Reduces cancer risk: Vitamin use has been associated with a decreased risk of some cancers. A study of 14,000 men aged 50 and older found that daily multivitamin supplementation “significantly reduced the risk of total cancer.”
Boosts immunity: Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant known for strengthening the immune system. Vitamins D and E boost immunity, too. These vitamins can also help reduce allergy symptoms.
Supports 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 multivitamins containing a combination of vitamins, lutein, and zeaxanthin can reduce the risk of macular degeneration.
Water-soluble vitamins: Excess fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) are stored in the body. Water-soluble vitamins (B and C) are not. Excess water-soluble vitamins simply travel through the body. This means it's necessary to take these essential vitamins on a daily basis.
Healthy hair and skin: New research says look for Vitamins B3 (Niacin), biotin, and Vitamin C for fuller hair. For healthy skin, look for Vitamins A, C, E, and CoQ10.
Boosting mood and managing stress: Thanks in large part to the Vitamin B family, taking a multivitamin is associated with a boost in energy levels, feelings of well being, as well as a decrease in stress and anxiety.
