Multivitamins are a great addition to a healthy living routine. However, with all the options available in the market, the supplement aisle can be overwhelming. You can get rid of the confusion and questions about multivitamins with the right information. Well, here is everything you ought to know about multivitamins:
They are not a replacement for a poor diet
You cannot expect to stuff your mouth with unhealthy foods and remedy that by popping a few multivitamin supplements. Multivitamins work best when they supplement an already healthy lifestyle. Take your daily portions of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Find time for exercise to help increase circulation and allow nutrients to reach all parts of your body.
They can fill gaps in the diet
While they do not make up for a poor diet, multivitamins do a neat job filling gaps that the food you take does not fill. The supplements ensure that you get all the nutrients your body needs to stay strong and healthy. A healthy balanced diet is commendable, but sometimes, it may fail to give you all the nutrients your body needs. And that is where multivitamins come to save the day.
They ensure that your body gets crucial nutrients that improve your quality of life and ensure longevity. When looking for multivitamins, look for a reputable store where you can have insight into how to choose a multivitamin. Take your time to understand how they can help.
It is possible to take too much
As is the case with anything, moderation is necessary with multivitamins too. Typically, multivitamins are not harmful. However, consuming substantial doses of a nutrient may lead to severe side effects. If you have an excess of a water-soluble vitamin such as Vitamin C and D, it is rarely a matter of grave concern. That is because the body will naturally flush out the extra vitamins. That said, too much of it may cause you to experience diarrhoea. Some vitamins have more severe side effects when taken in large doses. For instance, excessive Vitamin B12 may lead to liver damage. Fat-soluble vitamins, on the other hand, if in excess, can build up in the body, causing unwanted side effects like affecting the bones.
Some multivitamins target specific concerns
Some multivitamins cater to a set of people like pregnant women or people dealing with conditions like osteoporosis, heart disease or eye issues. It comes as an advantage since that serves best the people who need more of a nutrient than others. Speciality multivitamins are excellent if you fall under a group that needs more quantities of nutrients.
They come in many forms
Multivitamin supplements can be in powder, pill or liquid form. The goal is the same despite the different shapes that they take. They all aim to enhance health and provide your body with enough nutrients.
You can take multivitamins anytime, but avoid taking them on an empty stomach
The time of the day when you take your multivitamins is not crucial. That said, taking the multivitamins on an empty stomach may lead to stomach discomfort and problems absorbing the nutrients. Taking your multivitamins first thing in the morning may leave you feeling nauseous. You want to have something in your stomach before taking the supplements. Also, vitamins like A, D, E and K, which are fat-soluble, perform best when there is some fat to help the body absorb the vitamins and minerals. If you are taking either of the vitamins, it is best to take them with food that has some little fat, like avocado toast.
You have to be careful with the expiration dates
When taking multivitamins or any supplements, you want to ensure that you get the most benefits from them. One way to ensure that is by being keen on the expiration dates. If a supplement is way past the expiry date, the quality and potency may be lesser than what would have been when they were fresh. Go through your multivitamin cabinet and throw out any that have gone past the expiration dates.
If you are taking multiple supplements, do not take them all at once
You may want to get done with it and take all of them at once. However, if you are keen on getting benefits from all your supplements, it is best to space them out. When you take them all at once, the body may prioritize what it needs first and excrete the rest. Spreading them out ensures that all of them have a fair chance. Also, calcium and iron in supplements can bind up inside the gastrointestinal tract. It is best to take them separately.
They are helpful for when you are older
As we age, our bodies find it hard to get the nutrients from the foods we eat. It is, therefore, crucial to have supplements. They are beneficial because they can be absorbed in the body easily. Micronutrients like Vitamin D are helpful for bone health and for preventing osteoporosis. Take multivitamins to ensure that your body gets all the Vitamin D it needs. Do not forget to get nutrients for your eyes as well. They can suffer wear and tear just like your limbs.
They help when you have dietary restrictions
When you have a dietary restriction, you may lack a few nutrients. That is because you have cut some food groups. Diets like paleo, vegan, or keto leave you at the risk of lacking specific nutrients. For instance, paleo and dairy-free diets call for extra calcium and vitamin D. Likewise, vegans and vegetarians need to find quality sources of iron, zinc, iodine and B12.
Final remarks
It is crucial to take your time and pick the right supplements and multivitamins. Remember, the effectiveness of multivitamins and supplements will considerably depend on your situation and health. Ensure that you read the label instructions and assess the ingredients and relevant drug interactions before popping them. Again, not everything marketed as natural is automatically safe. Do due diligence and use certified products from top vendors!
