Multivitamin supplements and minerals will never replace a well-balanced diet. However, they can help us meet our nutritional requirements if we’re not consuming the dietary amounts recommended in the Canadian Food Guide. So, should you take multivitamins daily? Read on to find out.
Who can benefit from taking multivitamins daily?
- Babies. Breast-fed babies need a Vitamin D supplement, especially in the winter.
- Future mothers. If you’re thinking about getting pregnant, it’s strongly recommended that you take a folic acid supplement to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus.
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Vitamin blends made for pregnant or breastfeeding women allow them to meet the optimal nutritional requirements for pregnancy and while they are nursing.
- People with dietary restrictions. Anyone on a vegetarian diet or with food allergies would be wise to take a multivitamin to compensate for any food groups they may not be drawing from.
- Seniors. It is recommended that seniors take vitamin supplements so that they can meet their nutritional needs.
Should I take multivitamins daily even if I don’t have special needs?
Other people who could benefit from taking a multivitamin on a daily basis include women with heavy menstrual periods, people whose immune system may be compromised, people on a weight-loss diet, and heavy consumers of alcohol. Combined with a healthy, well-balanced diet, a daily multivitamin optimizes the body’s immune system.
A few tricks to boost your health and your well-being
- Eat foods rich in Vitamin C, such as citrus fruit, strawberries, tomatoes, and cabbage.
- Eat foods that are rich in Vitamin A, such as carrots, turnips, dairy products, and eggs; they lower your risk of developing bacterial or viral infections.
- Eat foods that are rich in zinc, such as seafood, nuts, and grains.
- Eat garlic or take garlic capsules. Garlic has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties.
Consult a healthcare professional
So, should you take multivitamins daily? First, try to improve your eating habits. You can take a multivitamin tablet on those days when the quality, quantity, or variety of the foods available to you is lacking. Take the time to compare bottle labels to find the multivitamin that suit you best.
If you’re not sure, consult a health professional. He or she may recommend a blood test to determine if you really do need supplements. Alternatively, you could book an appointment with a nutritionist who can recommend a diet that will help you get all the vitamins and minerals you need in a natural way.
