What are the benefits of taking multivitamins?

22 April 2022

So, you’ve decided to look for a multivitamin, great!! But which one to choose? It can be a little overwhelming at first, but that’s why I’m here - to show you the benefits of a top quality multivitamin for your health and nutrition. Whilst multivitamins are not a cure-all or replacement for a varied, healthy diet, they can be useful at keeping you on top of some of your key nutrients.

To get the most from your multivitamin, it’s important to choose the one which best suits your needs. Not only do you want to choose one which ensures that you are getting a functional dose of each vitamin and mineral, but they can come in various forms, so choosing capsules, gummies or powders is also something to consider.

In short, a multivitamin can help to plug any of the small nutritional gaps in your diet, but there are certain vitamins and minerals you want to make sure are included. Here we go!

Which vitamins should I look out for?

Vitamin B: Necessary for maintaining our energy levels and reserves, our brain function and our psychological wellbeing. There are many different forms of Vitamin B, which all have different (although interconnecting) functions within the body. The most commonly known B Vitamin is B12, especially if you’re plant-based! B12 is usually found in animal products, but can also be found in plant-based sources, and many different fortified foods.

Vitamin C: Aside from helping to stave off colds and keep our immune function healthy, Vitamin C also helps with our skin health, and has antioxidant properties. The great thing about Vitamin C is that it’s found in abundance in fresh fruit and veg, such as red pepper and citrus fruits.

Vitamin D: Also known as the Sunshine Vitamin, Vitamin D helps to increase immune function, support a healthy colon, and regulate mood. It also helps to regulate calcium and phosphorous levels in the body. The most readily accessible source of Vitamin D is sunshine, absorbed through the skin. However, everyone is encouraged to take a supplement throughout the winter months, when there isn’t as much sun!

Folic Acid / Vitamin B9: Folic acid is essential for the production of healthy cells and haemoglobin, cell renewal, circulation, and heart function. Cereals and flours are often fortified with Vitamin B9 due to its importance in the body, although it is also found in dark leafy greens and broccoli. It is recommended that pregnant women or those looking to conceive take a Folic Acid supplement as it can help with foetal development.

Calcium: Important for healthy teeth, bones, and blood clotting as well as regulating muscle contractions - including our heartbeat! Dairy products are often considered to be a primary source of calcium, but many fruits and vegetables also contain good amounts!

Iron: Iron supports healthy blood and muscle function, delivering oxygen and other nutrients to the body. Beans and lentils are both good sources of iron.

Zinc: Whilst helping to improve and regulate our immune system, zinc is also an essential component in the building of enzymes, proteins and cells within the body, as well as aiding in fertility and skin health. On top of that (yes, there’s more) zinc helps with wound healing, and is important for keeping our taste and smell in peak condition. Even better, dark chocolate is a great source of zinc!

Chromium: Chromium might be lesser known, but it is important nonetheless. It helps to determine the amount of energy that the body can release and use from food, keeps our blood glucose levels optimal, and enhances our sensitivity to insulin. This means it can have beneficial effects for people with diabetes. You can find chromium in whole grains and broccoli.

Magnesium: Supports muscle function and strong bones, which is very important for daily functioning, I’m sure you’ll agree! Pumpkin seeds and black beans are great sources of magnesium.

All of these vitamins, minerals, and more can be found in THRIVE, Vivo Life’s multinutrient and greens powder. With two different flavours, it certainly makes getting a daily dose of nutrition more interesting, tasty, and convenient.

Who can benefit from a multivitamin?

Whilst anyone can benefit from having a healthy diet and lifestyle, including taking a multivitamin, there are some who may find extra benefits. Athletes, for example, who place their bodies under higher levels of oxidative stress, will likely benefit from taking a multivitamin to boost their nutrition in the longer term.

Children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years are encouraged by the National Health Service in the UK to take a multivitamin containing Vitamins A, C, and D to ensure that they are developing properly. A multivitamin might also help to give a nutritional boost to any picky eaters, or children with allergies and intolerances.

Anyone with a restricted diet may also benefit from a daily multivitamin. Vegans, for example, might find it difficult to get enough B12 daily, as well as other nutrients which are typically found in animal products. A plant-based multivitamin can go a long way to supporting a healthy lifestyle.

Anything else?

Taking too much of some vitamins and minerals can damage your health, especially if you are already taking certain prescription medications or have malabsorption conditions, such as coeliac disease. If you are unsure of whether a multivitamin is suitable for you, you can seek advice from your healthcare provider.

Composition varies by brand, so you should always check that you are getting the right vitamins, and you should also ensure that you are using a brand which tests their products for heavy metals, herbicides and pesticides.

If you’re looking for a brand which does all of those things, you can stop looking! You’ve found us! Vivo Life’s multinutrients are all heavy metal tested so that you can be sure you’re getting the best nutrition for your body, without costing the earth.

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