More than likely they are. In a perfect world we would be able
to get all our nutrients from food. But in today’s world,
our diets are typically less than perfect and we may need an extra
boost to give our bodies their daily vitamin doses. Regular multivitamins
can, and often do act as a dietary insurance, just in case vitamin
and/or mineral requirements are not met through food alone...
Special populations may also need special vitamin and/or mineral
supplements. Pregnant and lactating women are often recommended
to take special prenatal multivitamin and mineral supplements,
as their bodies require additional nutrition to support the growth
and development of their children. Most prenatal supplements contain
a greater amount of calcium, folic acid an iron than in standard
multivitamin supplements.
Older adults may require supplements as well. As we age, our
bodies may not absorb nutrients as readily, or we may fail to
meet our dietary needs through food as appetites may wane or medications
may interfere with nutrition. Supplements can address these specific
issues. Older adults should note that the multivitamins must not
more than the 100% RDA for iron and vitamin A as their digestive
systems may absorb too much to these 2 nutrients.
Below is a list of the major vitamins and minerals we need.
VITAMINS
1) Vitamin A: needed for good vision, night vision, and for good
immunity.
2) Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): Needed for energy metabolism and healthy,
responsive nerve cells.
3) Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Needed for energy metabolism, healthy
skin and vision.
4) Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Needed for energy metabolism, skin, nervous
system, and digestive system.
5) Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid): Involved in the production of
many different tissues and in energy metabolism.
6) Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Needed for protein metabolism and
red blood cell production.
7) Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): needed for cell production, healthy
nerve cells.
8) Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid): needed for collagen formation, is
an antioxidant, helps with iron absorption.
9) Vitamin D (cholecalciferol): Needed for bone health.
10) Vitamin E (tocopherol): Needed for cell membranes, an antioxidant.
11) Vitamin K (menaquinone) needed for blood clotting.
