The Truth on Multivitamins

When you step into any typical home today, you’re likely to spot a supplement bottle, containing Vitamin C at the very least, and even a multivitamin bottle at most. Supplements like multivitamins have grown popular over the years since its inception in the early 19th century due to its ease of use and evident healthy impact on the human body.  

Now, let’s dig into this further: what exactly are multivitamins, should you consider consuming them, any risks and what additional benefits do they bring?

The History of Multivitamins

The first multivitamins appeared in the USA in the 1940s as a way to fight disabilities caused by poor nutrition. The president then, Franklin D. Roosevelt created the National Nutrition Conference for Defense and declared there should be a nationwide effort to help improve the nutritional status of the country. 

Since then, many vitamin pills have been manufactured, with brand names like Vimm, Stams and Benefax appearing to help with the effort. But brands like Vimm, while introducing pills that contained vitamins, still required consumption of multiple pills in order to get the full dosage. 

It wasn’t until the brand One-A-Day appeared, which still remains popular in 2023, that packs vitamins in a single pill format that has become the basis of all supplements today. Packed into these tiny, edible pills, they allow someone to consume and replenish all those vitamins and minerals in a single shot. 

 

What’s Inside Multivitamins

Traditionally when it was introduced in the 1940s, multivitamins back then only packed 8 ingredients: Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, D, calcium & iron. Today however, they contain much more including magnesium, zinc, potassium and many other vitamins and minerals. This is because over time, scientists have continued to discover the importance of many other nutrients essential for the body. 

Each nutrient plays a unique role in your body’s function. Individually, they provide much needed benefits but when working together they ensure that your body remains in tiptop condition. Here’s a quick look at each vitamin and minerals and what they do for your body: 

• Vitamin A, is known for its integral role in promoting visual health, particularly in low-light conditions. Other than vision, it extends its benefits to skin health, immune system function, and the health of vital organs, making it a versatile vitamin in keeping you healthy. 

• Vitamin C, famous for being a potent antioxidant, helps with your immune system’s defence mechanisms. Its role goes beyond immunity, as it is important in the creation of collagen, aiding in wound healing, and contributing to the maintenance of healthy skin.

• Vitamin D, often called the “sunshine vitamin,” helps your body in processing and absorbing calcium, ensuring that your bone remains stronger than ever. 

• Vitamin E, acting as a robust antioxidant offers benefits to skin health, fighting off toxins and supporting your immune functions. 

• B-Vitamins work together as energy boosters, helping turn the food you eat into the energy your body uses to function. They have different jobs too – some help your brain stay sharp, others make sure you have enough healthy red blood cells, and they even keep your nerves working smoothly. 

• Vitamin K, is an important vitamin that helps your body in healing itself from cuts, making sure your body clots properly. Other than that, Vitamin K enhances your bone health by maintaining its density. 

 

Multivitamins: Complements, Not Substitutes

Multivitamins have some good points. They can help when we don’t eat enough healthy foods because we’re busy, have certain dietary restrictions, or certain life factors like age. But remember, relying only on multivitamins isn’t the best idea. Even though they contain the essential vitamins and minerals for our body, they don’t have everything that healthy foods do.

Whole foods are still the best way to stay healthy as they bring more than just vitamins and minerals to our bodies. They have stuff like dietary fiber, which helps our stomach work well, and antioxidants ensure our cells are well and healthy. Think of nutrients found in whole foods as different players in an orchestra, each doing their own thing to help our body work smoothly. 

Who Might Benefit from Multivitamins?

At this point, you’re probably wondering if multivitamins are for you. Well, practically anyone can benefit from multivitamins across different walks of life. With that said, there are certain groups of people who might benefit more from multivitamins than others as their nutritional needs or way of life might impact their exposure to these vital vitamins and minerals. 

If you’re someone who chooses to eat plant-based foods like veggies and fruits, you might need some extra help getting certain nutrients. One of these important nutrients is called vitamin B12, which is mostly found in foods from animals. This vitamin is really important for your nerves and making red blood cells. Hence, taking a multivitamin can be a good way to make sure you’re getting enough of it to stay healthy. 

The elderly can benefit much from multivitamins, as our bodies’ nutrient absorption becomes less efficient as we age. Vitamin D and calcium, vital for bone health, are particularly important for older adults to help prevent osteoporosis and fractures. Vitamin B12 absorption can also decline with age, leading to potential deficiencies. A multivitamin designed for older adults can aid in bridging these nutrient gaps.

 

Benefits of multivitamins

Now that we have a good grasp of what multivitamins are, what’s left is the exciting part: the benefits.

1. Bridging nutritional gaps: Mentioned a couple of times in this article, multivitamins nowadays are a great way to keep yourself stocked up on the essentials that keeps your body running smoothly and steadily, relieving you from worrying too much about your nutritional needs.
2. Boosts Energy: Multivitamins contain nutrients that your body uses to turn food into fuel. So, when you’re tackling work, hitting the gym, or simply enjoying life’s adventures, these little capsules can give you an extra boost to power through your day.
3. Strengthen Immunity: Multivitamins, armed with immune-boosting nutrients like vitamin C and zinc, helps to ensure the body stays strong and healthy.
4. Good for skin: With vitamins like E and C, which are known for their skin-loving properties, multivitamins contribute to keeping your skin looking its best.
5. Healthier hair: Vitamins like biotin and vitamin E are known to support hair health. They work from within, nourishing your hair follicles and helping your hair stay strong and vibrant.

Conclusion

In conclusion, multivitamins have evolved from their origins in the 1940s to become convenient and comprehensive supplements that support our health. While they can fill nutritional gaps and offer benefits like boosted energy, strengthened immunity, and healthier skin and hair, they should complement, not replace, a balanced diet. Specific groups, such as those with dietary restrictions or the elderly, can particularly benefit from multivitamins. As we continue to uncover the complexities of nutrition, it’s essential to remember that the synergy of whole foods and well-chosen supplements contributes to our overall well-being.