To function normally and thrive, your body needs a careful balance of vitamins and minerals to keep you in good health. And in most cases, all these essential nutrients can be obtained through a healthy balanced diet.
Taking a multivitamin could be additional nutrient support for your body. In this guide, we look at when multivitamins can be particularly beneficial, so you can decide whether supplementation is the right decision for you.
You are starting a family
If you are already pregnant or are trying to conceive, a tailored multivitamin that also contains folic acid can help to support both your fertility and your pregnancy. Sufficient levels of the right nutrients such as folic acid can help in healthy development.
Combined with a balanced diet, a multivitamin during this time can also give you extra peace of mind that your body is getting all the extra support it needs.
You are over 50
As you get older, it may be beneficial to add a multivitamin into your daily routine as ageing can lead to deficiencies in some nutrients, such as iron, calcium and vitamin B12 as the body is not so efficient at absorbing them. An age-appropriate multivitamin can also support energy levels and reduce fatigue.
You are on a restrictive diet
While you should be getting all your essential nutrients from your diet, it may not always be possible, especially if you are on, or are following a more restrictive diet. This can include a weight-loss program, a gluten-free diet, and even a vegan diet, especially if you have recently made the transition to only plant-based foods.
To support your efforts to get all your nutrient needs through your food, a multivitamin can be the extra boost you and your diet needs, even if it is only for the short-term.
You want to safeguard your nutrition
As we have already seen, you should be able to get all the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs for normal function if you follow a nutritionally balanced and varied diet. However, with our busy and active lives, maintaining a healthy diet every day can at times be a challenge.
A multivitamin, designed for your age or lifestyle, can be a good option to add to your daily routine and can be a little extra insurance on top of a healthy diet to ensure your body gets all the nutritional help it needs.
Final thoughts
Deciding to add a multivitamin to your daily routine is a personal choice and one which can bring an extra safeguard to your nutrient intake. However, a multivitamin should not take the place of a balanced, healthy diet, but rather work to support the core nutrition you get from your daily meals.
However, there are some specific instances, as outlined, where a multivitamin can be particularly helpful in ensuring you get the right balance of nutrients your body needs.
If you are unsure as to whether you need a multivitamin, or you have a health condition that needs extra nutrient support, always talk to your GP, who will be able to provide the correct dietary and supplement advice.