Vitamins play a vital role in maintaining the overall health of the individual. They are a group of substances that are involved in the normal cell function, growth, and development of the body. 13 types of essential vitamins are crucial in the proper function of the body, which can be taken from various food sources. We often fail to consume a balanced diet, which leads to a deficiency in the number of vitamins and can result in a disorder or malfunction in our body. To overcome these, multivitamin supplements are crucial and effective in ensuring the proper function of the body. Today, we are going to explore various multivitamin supplements and their role in our body.
What are multivitamin supplements?
Multivitamins supplements are nutritional supplements that can be available as over-the-counter medications consisting of a combination of different vitamins and minerals used to treat various vitamin deficiencies and provide the daily required vitamins.
Benefits of multivitamin supplements
Multivitamins help to prevent nutritional deficiencies in individuals. Some of the benefits of the multivitamins are given below:
Fill Nutritional Gaps:
They help to fill gaps in the diet, supply essential nutrients that are lacking in the daily diet, and ensure comprehensive coverage of vitamins and minerals.
Convenience:
It provides a convenient solution for the vitamins that are recommended for the body in our busy lifestyle.
Support Overall Health:
It helps to support and maintain the overall health of the body and provides essential vitamins for various bodily functions, which contribute to immune health, energy metabolism, and bone health.
Pregnant women:
Pregnant women often have unique nutritional needs, and taking prenatal multivitamins can be beneficial to support both the mother's health and the growth of the baby. The IOM has recommended that the multivitamins given to pregnant women should contain iron, zinc, copper, calcium, folic acid, and vitamins D, C, B6, and B12 to maintain the health of both mother and fetus during pregnancy.
Pregnant individuals may require higher folic acid and iron levels. Nexiron LP Tablet is a multivitamin supplement with active ingredients called Elemental Iron, Folic acid, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin C. It is used in the treatment of nutritional deficiencies and iron deficiency anemia. Iron treats anemia by replenishing low iron levels and supporting hemoglobin production in individuals. It is recommended to consult your doctor for the right choice of nutritional supplement during the pregnancy.
Menopause:
After menopause, women face a lot of hormonal changes (estrogen), which will impact bone strength and overall health. Postmenopausal women need vitamin D for the proper absorption of calcium in their body.
Aged people:
Aged people need more vitamins than younger due to the malabsorption problem they might face during digestion. These supplements and fortified foods can aid older adults in getting enough vitamins for their bodies.
Health condition:
Individuals who are affected by celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, cystic fibrosis, lactose intolerance, chronic pancreatitis, Whipple disease, parasitic infection, and illness that causes frequent diarrhea or vomiting are often facing malabsorption. So, they need a multivitamin supplement to compensate for the vitamin or mineral they lose during malabsorption.
Consideration
While selecting a multivitamin, consider ingredients encompassing a wide range of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids. It is crucial to note that everyone has different needs based on their health and also based on the manufacture of the supplements composition may vary. It is recommended to adhere to recommended daily allowances to prevent undesirable side effects. Also, select a convenient form like chewable tablets or liquid that suits you and your lifestyle. Always consult your healthcare provider, especially if taking prescription medications, to address potential interactions and ensure safety.
Effect of supplements
Individuals may experience an adverse reaction, which can be a temporary reaction, and are not involved in a chronic reaction. Some of the side effects are given below:
Constipation: Individuals may experience difficulty in passing the stool or constipation.
Dark stools: Individuals may have a change in the color of the stool.
Diarrhea: Patients may experience diarrhea while taking the supplement.
Vomiting: Individuals may have vomiting or feeling sick (nausea).
Abdominal pain: Patients may experience abdominal pain while under medication.
It is crucial to consult your healthcare provider before starting to use any supplements to avoid complications caused by them. Eating a balanced diet, along with supplements, can also aid in improving overall health.