What is a multivitamin?

If we told you that multivitamins are the most popular dietary supplement in the world, would you believe it? Well, they are! So popular, that according to the National Institute of Health, more than one-third of Americans take a “multi.”

Multivitamins contain vitamins and minerals that our bodies need on a consistent basis. However, the formula varies by brand; as does the form they come in - pills, powders, gummies, and liquids.

They also range in bioavailability. Yes, bioavailability – the portion of the vitamins and minerals your body is able to absorb. To increase absorption, minerals such as iron, zinc, copper, manganese, and chromium are all chemically combined, or chelated, with amino acids to form complexes.

Multivitamin Benefits
Many people don’t get the nutrients they need from food. That’s where a multivitamin comes in. It can help fill in the gaps and may provide an abundance of other benefits at the same time.

  1. Increased energy levels
  2. Immune system support
  3. Supports healthy brain function
  4. Supports eye health
  5. Helps build strong bones
  6. Supports heart health

Multivitamin Ingredients
Multivitamins contain vitamins and minerals that our bodies need on a consistent basis, such as:

  1. Vitamin A: Helps with eye health, increases skin cell turnover, and supports immune system function.
  2. Vitamin B: Supports brain function, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis.
  3. Vitamin C: Supports collagen production and antioxidant properties to fight free radicals, plays a key role in the immune system.
  4. Vitamin E: Antioxidant that supports vision, nourishes skin and balances cholesterol.
  5. Vitamin D3: Promotes calcium absorption, supports healthy inflammation and cell growth, as well as muscle and immune function.
  6. Magnesium: Supports mood, helps regulates blood sugar levels and blood pressure.

Keep in mind that these are only some of the benefits.

Vitamins from Food
A variety of foods also contain the same nutrients found in your multivitamin. A multi is meant to fill in the gaps where your diet may lack.

  1. Vitamin A: Salmon, sweet potato, kale, carrots, and spinach.
  2. Vitamin B12: Nutritional yeast, eggs, tuna, Greek yogurt, and trout.
  3. Vitamin C: Kiwi, broccoli, brussels sprouts, lemons, strawberries, and oranges.
  4. Vitamin E: Almonds, avocado, mango, brazil nuts, and cod.
  5. Vitamin D3: Shrimp, oatmeal, mushrooms, and salmon.
  6. Magnesium: Dark chocolate, quinoa, bananas, mustard greens, and cashews.

Next time you’re concerned that you didn’t get enough vitamins or minerals during the day, remember that your multivitamin has you covered.