Multivitamins are small nutrient-laden power capsules, tablets containing more than one single vitamin. Therefore, the term multi. They may also contain dietary minerals, herbal extracts along with the vitamins. These multi vitamins come in various combinations and a person is required to take them depending on the deficiencies in his body. It is not necessary that all multivitamins will suit his requirements infact taking them blindly can lead to an overdose also. Studies are still on about who should take what kind of multivitamin pill, and how much. A wrong diet and faulty routine makes most people short of nutrients. Multivitamins prove to provide immense and remarkable health benefits for a person requiring them. A daily dose of a multivitamins is an inexpensive and effective way to safeguard and promote your health, specially the ailing, the old or some specific group of people requiring extra nutrients such as pregnant women, athletes etc. But, before we proceed further, it is important to mention that external vitamins should be avoided as far as possible, unless very necessary. It is best to get your body requirement of vitamins from a healthy diet along with sunlight, proper water intake, adequate amount of rest and exercise. This is the natural way to perfect health! Why popularity of multivitamins is growing? The typical pressures of the modern day to day life, along with a sedentary indoor lifestyle coupled with deficiencies of essential daily nutrients due to junk food intake, puts our bodies under a tremendous amount of pressure. That's why it has practically become a requirement to take nutritional supplements for daily nutrition. Multi vitamins are not only laden with vitamins, but also minerals and anti-oxidants. These include Vitamin A required for good vision, vitamin C - essential for body immunity and overall health, vitamin K - vital for bone health, vitamin E - which boosts the immune and cardiovascular function, as well as the various vitamin B's. Essential minerals include calcium - which is necessary for good muscle functioning and bone development, magnesium - for nerve and heart functioning, and zinc - which is required for proper immune function, eye health and cardiovascular well being. Antioxidants effectively defend the body against the perils of free radicals, and therefore are an important component of any good multi vitamin. The most popular antioxidants are coenzyme Q10 necessary for heart and liver health, selenium helps cope with certain degenerative diseases, such as cancer; and lutein good for eyesight. Some multivitamins also contain herbal extracts such as ginger helps reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, Asian ginseng helpful in diabetes, provides energy etc. How to choose a multi vitamin? Nowadays, one can get a vitamin supplement for any ailment, any deficiency - eyes, heart, brain, allergies, skin disorder, vitality, cardiovascular problems, sex related, even weight management. You just have to name the problem and the chemist will probably put you in a fix on which one to take. But before buying one, it is crucial to read the labels on these supplements, because many daily vitamins may be lacking in the basic key nutrients essential for overall health. The best way to choose a multi-vitamin is to look for: Quantity of nutrient being provided. Look for 100% of the Daily Recommended Allowance of minerals and vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, folic acid, and D. Plus at least 20 micrograms of vitamin K, for strong bones. Quality of the vitamin being provided. Its best to go for one with no added colours, flavours, preservatives. Form whether well packaged, free of moisture etc. Date of expiry. A good multivitamin is not a magical pill to solve all your problems but will give you a guarantee that one is getting the proper amount of vitamins and minerals needed for maintaining good health. Who are more likely to need multivitamin supplements? * Persons over the age of 60 as they do not get all the nutrients they need. This can be due to a variety of causes such as ageing itself may make the absorption and utilization of certain nutrients more difficult. * Pregnant women and lactating mothers This group of people need about 400 IU of folic acid daily, which can be from a multivitamin. Folic acid found in supplements is better absorbed by the body than the vitamin found naturally in food. * Pre-menopausal women - need extra amount of iron, Vitamin B12 and calcium, so as to prevent problems like osteoporosis in old age. * Weight-watchers and persons who are heavy alcoholics * Any person who is short of a balanced diet - a diet consisting of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and small servings of chicken or fish is sort of a balanced diet. So, check out your daily diet. Are you falling short of folic acid, B6, and B12 as they help lowering homocysteine levels in the blood and thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Precautions while taking a multi vitamin - Some basic caution is required before taking multivitamins, especially if any medical conditions exist, such as pregnancy or if aged. Multivitamins may rarely be toxic unless large doses of various vitamins or minerals are taken.
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