Multivitamins are dietary supplements formulated in the form of tablets, pills, powders, liquids, and now even in chewing candy to fulfil your body’s requirements. A survey conducted in London showed that Londoners spend an average of 806 British pounds on multivitamins.
Vitamins are necessary substances for the human body, and they maintain the healthy functioning of your body. Multiple types of vitamins have their duties in your body. All of these functions help your body to remain stable.
Do You Need Multivitamin Supplements?
Most people do not need multivitamin supplements. They can intake multivitamins by consuming a balanced diet. Before you consider taking multivitamin supplements, you must start taking a nutritious diet.
But if your diet does not provide you with enough vitamins and minerals, you must take multivitamins and mineral supplements. Many doctors recommend multivitamin supplements for pregnancy and deficient men and women.
Multivitamin Dosage
The daily dose of multivitamins varies depending on the type of multivitamin and the consumer’s age. If the consumer is paediatric level (4 to 10 years old), the dose of vitamin A, D, E, and K will be one capsule daily. After the age of 11, it will become two capsules per day. Vitamin B complex with folic acid and minerals dose will be one to two capsules per day for six years and older.
People from 18 to 50 years old can take 15mg of vitamin A, D, E, and K in their daily routine. Adults older than 50 and pregnant women need a higher dose of vitamin B. The variety of vitamin B can range from 1.2mg to 16 mg and 2.4 mcg in adults. 400mcg of Folic acid is the recommended dose for adults.
The vitamin intake of Folic acid and iron should be higher in women than in men, and the dose of vitamin A, D, E, and K are dependent on the weight and size of a human body.
Reason for Consuming Vitamin
All the vitamins have vital functions they perform in the human body. According to the National Library of Medicine, vitamin A elevates the quality of teeth, bones, soft tissues, mucous membranes, and skin.
Vitamin B6 helps in red blood cell production and maintaining brain functioning. Vitamin C performs as an antioxidant that promotes healthy teeth and gums, and it also promotes the function of our immune system. Immunization is important for a healthy body.
Vitamin D assists the growth of teeth and bones and maintains calcium and phosphorus in the blood, and vitamin K is crucial for blood coagulation.
Our body also needs Fatty Acids like EPA and DHA. We also need minerals, lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates in our diet to keep the body running smoothly. Doctors usually recommend these nutrients when the patient’s diet is not providing them with a sufficient dose or when they have a health condition.
Multivitamins for Women
Women’s bodies are programmed to reproduce and require extra care when pregnant. The supplements a woman should take will vary on her menstrual stage, reproductive state, and age. If you are pregnant, you must ask your doctor to recommend supplements for your health. Your doctor might change the multivitamin and its dose to fit your requirements.
Generally, women must take the following supplements,
Vitamin C and E
Vitamin C and E help protect your body against free radicals, slow ageing, and strengthen your immune system.
Vitamin B
Vitamin B helps improve the functioning of your brain and metabolism. You can take vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 in your diet or as supplements to improve your quality of life.
Folic Acid
Folic acid helps strengthen the brain and spinal cord. It prevents cancer and anaemia by preventing DNA changes and red blood cell mal-production.
EPA and DHA
These fatty acids EPA and DHA help reduce blood pressure and inflammation in the cardiovascular system. They enhance the elasticity in our arteries and help in the normal function of the cardiovascular system.
Multivitamins for Men
The multivitamin intake in men depends on their age, height, and weight. Men need Vitamin C, E, beta carotene, and other multivitamins for proper functioning.
Magnesium
Magnesium is crucial for bone strength. And it helps enrich vitamin D in the body. Men should take magnesium daily for overall well being.
Boron
Boron supplements help build muscles, strengthen the bones, and increase testosterone levels in your body. It also helps enhance cognition and treats osteoarthritis.
EPA and DHA
Men have a higher risk of developing coronary heart diseases than women. Therefore, EPA and DHA supplements are helpful for those who already have hypertension. Fatty acids like Omega 3 also help balance fats, inflammation, and joint health in the body.
