Health Benefits of Multivitamins

Multivitamins

Most of us are able to obtain our nutritional needs through our diet, but there are times throughout our lives that we may need multivitamins. Pregnancy is a good example; a woman’s body goes through a number of tremendous changes during this time; health care providers prescribe prenatal multivitamins to make sure the mother and developing fetus get all the required nutrients. Childhood is another period that multivitamins may be recommended. Most children’s diets are less than optimal, picky finicky eaters especially. Children’s multivitamins are made so that kids will eat them, like candy. Though it’s not a good thing to let your children eat at will. One a day will do!

Multivitamins are essential for people who cannot get enough of the required nutrients through their regular dietary intake. Times of illness and incapacitation usually require extra supplementation also, because the body is healing and the nutritional requirements are greater. The elderly have greater dietary needs as well, and they are usually not able to fulfill them through diet alone, requiring multivitamins, in addition to calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin D. Multivitamins are essential to anyone who has a chronic disease, a genetic condition, or who find themselves in some type of medical crisis. The use of multivitamins in these types of situations should be overseen by a physician or other qualified health care professional, and recommended doses should not be exceeded. Some vitamins can have interactions with prescription medications, such as Coumadin or Warfarin and vitamin K. It is important to let your health care provider know of all medications and supplements you are using and how much you take.

Multivitamins are readily available and reasonably priced; most are available without a prescription, and are available in various forms as well, such as capsules, powders, liquids, and tablets, some of which are chewable, like vitamin C. Always read the labels, and take only as recommended; most multivitamins should be taken with food, or they could cause stomach upset. If you notice any type of reaction, stop taking the multivitamins immediately and notify your health care provider. It may be that you just can’t take that specific brand of multivitamins, so don’t rule out taking any type of vitamin. Multivitamins without extra additives and ingredients are usually best because they are better digested and are more easily absorbed by the body. If you’re not sure what type of multivitamins you need, you can also consult the pharmacist or nutritionist at the place of purchase. They will be glad to answer any of your questions. To your health!