Health Benefits
Multivitamins are designed to fill nutritional gaps. There are different brands and formulations, and each will list the percent daily value (DV) or recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of the nutrients in one serving.
A label that lists 100% DV of vitamin D means the formula provides 100% of the vitamin D you need each day to not be deficient in that vitamin. This is based on a 2,000-calorie diet, so if you eat more or less, you’ll need to make some adjustments. Sadly, the RDA and DV are pegged to the absolute minimum amount to maintain basic health. If you want to be healthy, and thrive in a finely tuned happy and healthy body with a powerful well functioning mind you are gonna have to do better than the RDA. In short, the RDA suggested levels are a joke in my opinion and will leave you set up for disaster. But what do I know, only 25 plus years in the industry and a huge advocate of healthy through dietary nutrition and supplementation. Crazy, huh?!
Age 50 and older:
Calcium and vitamin D supplements can help strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis.
Vitamin B12 helps form red blood cells, supports brain and nerve function and makes DNA. The body doesn’t absorb all the B12 it needs from food, so a supplement might be necessary, especially if you’re over the age of 50.
Diseases that prevent your body from digesting food increases the chance of malabsorption. These include:
- Celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, and cystic fibrosis
- Gastric bypass surgery
- Illnesses that cause diarrhea or vomiting
- Alcoholism or alcohol abuse
Adults not in these groups should consider taking a regular multivitamin. Vitamins are necessary for many of your bodily functions. Taking a multivitamin can offer the following health benefits:
Maintains Organ and Vision Health
Look for a supplement containing mixed carotenoids and beta-carotene — those are the raw materials your body converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for vision, immune function, and communication between your cells. It also plays an important role in maintaining the health of your heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that fights free radical damage and helps the body make collagen, which heals wounds and keeps your skin smooth and healthy. A multivitamin with 250mg will meet DV/RDA requirements for most people.
Promote Bone and Muscle Function
Vitamin D helps your muscles function properly and allows your body to absorb calcium from food to keep your bones healthy. Check with your doctor if you don’t spend much time outdoors in the sunlight, have dark skin, or are overweight, as you may need to take additional supplements.
Immune System Support
Vitamin E and vitamin D support your immune system and protect your cells from damage that can lead to diseases.
This is an extremely bare bones view of some of the benefits of multivitamins. I urge you to specifically look at immune system function and benefits of supplementation. If you are on any meds… (statins are brutal on the body) read up on what they may deplete or what can be taking to reduce side effects. I and the rest of the Legit Supplements team want you, the reader, to live a happy healthy life. So, take this blog as a springboard and launch yourself into the world of supplementation and research your way to a healthy you.
Take care, take your multi, Stay Healthy & Stay Legit.
Strictly opinion and not medical advice. Consult your doctor, pharmacist and/or nutritionist before starting/stopping any supplement or exercise program
