What Are Multivitamins?
Published July 5, 2023
WHAT IS A MULTIVITAMIN?
A multivitamin is like a nutritional insurance policy. It may help fill in the gaps when dietary intake is inadequate. Multivitamins contain a combination of vitamins, minerals and often other ingredients such as herbal ingredients, enzymes, antioxidants and oils, which help people to obtain their recommended intake of vitamins and minerals, when dietary intake may be inadequate. Quality multivitamins are formulated by scientists and nutritional specialists for broad applications across most conditions including stress, energy, immunity and general wellbeing. They should be backed by scientific evidence. They are seen as a ‘proactive’ approach to health.
HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR MULTIVITAMIN
To get the most out of your multivitamin, make sure you choose the right formula for you. As men and women have different nutritional requirements and health concerns, it is ideal to choose a multivitamin that will target those specific needs.
MULTIVITAMINS FOR WOMEN AND MEN
Multivitamins for men and women may feature ingredients designed to support the following:
- Nervous system
Some B group vitamins (B1, B3, B6, B12) support energy levels and may assist nervous system function.
- Energy
Magnesium and iron are vital for energy levels. Women with heavy blood loss during menstruation may require iron supplementation. The B group vitamins and magnesium are also critical to the production of energy.
- Antioxidants
Antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and beta‐carotene help to protect against cell damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin C is also essential for collagen production, which is a component of our skin, blood vessels, and bones.
- Immunity
Nutrients essential for supporting healthy immune system function include vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E and the minerals such as zinc and selenium. - The mineral chromium assists carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism in the body. Iodine is a trace nutrient which supports healthy thyroid gland function. The thyroid gland produces hormones that affect our metabolic rate, and body temperature.
- Bone health
Calcium, magnesium and vitamin D are important nutrients essential for bone health and are essential to help achieve and maintain bone density.
WHAT IS IN A MULTIVITAMIN?
Multivitamins are designed to fill nutritional gaps and support overall health by providing a balanced blend of essential vitamins and minerals. Formulated to suit different life stages and dietary needs, they can vary in ingredients and nutrient levels to help maintain energy, immunity, and wellbeing. Whether tailored for men, women, or those over 50, the right multivitamin can complement a healthy lifestyle and support your daily nutritional needs.
- Iron ─ Iron is needed to make haemoglobin and support healthy red blood cell production.
- Calcium ─ Calcium supports the development of bones and teeth.
- Vitamin B ─ Supports energy levels and may assist nervous system function
- Biotin ─ Biotin may help support nail health.
- Vitamin C – Supports immune system function and helps with collagen formation for healthy skin and connective tissues.
- Zinc ─ Men have greater zinc needs than women as it supports functioning of the male reproductive system.
- Selenium ─ Selenium has antioxidant properties.
- Vitamin D – Enhances calcium absorption to maintain strong bones and support immune health.
- Magnesium – Helps with muscle function, nervous system support, and energy production.
WHAT IS THE RIGHT MULTIVITAMIN FOR ME?
Some multivitamins are formulated considering the nutritional and health requirements to suit different life stages and gender. These products may contain different ingredients and/or they could contain different amounts of certain nutrients. Women’s multivitamins are created specifically to meet women’s nutritional needs. Beneficial ingredients may include:
- For women – Vitamin C for immune health to fight illness all year round, Vitamin D to support muscle function, Biotin for hair and nail health, B vitamins for energy and Iron.
- For women 50+ – Vitamin D to support bone health and muscle function, Vitamin B for energy production, Magnesium for joint health, Vitamin C for immune function / collagen formation, and Iron.
Similarly, men’s Multivitamins are designed to meet men’s nutritional needs. Ingredients to look out for in men’s multivitamins are:
- For men – Vitamin C for immune system function, Vitamin D for muscle function, Magnesium for joint health, Zinc for the male reproductive system, B vitamins for energy production and Iron.
- For men 50+ – Vitamin D for muscle function, Vitamin B to help reduce tiredness, Vitamin C for antioxidant support, Magnesium for joint health, and Iron.
Cenovis Multivitamins include a range with products that are specially formulated for men and women and people over 50. Explore the range here.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
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