4 Things To Keep In Mind When Taking Multivitamins

Updated on December 16, 2019
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Taking care of your body’s health is indeed essential. Nowadays, not all adults have the time to prepare healthy meals and to exercise regularly. This is why they choose to consume multivitamin supplements that can now be easily purchased in physical and online stores. Most of these pills claim dozens of health benefits and all-natural ingredients when you take them. 

While some of these benefits are real, it is vital to check and research the type and brand of multivitamins you are using. If you have decided to buy one, there are more things that you should know about these nutritional pills.

From common misconceptions to proper usage, here is a list of 4 things you should remember and think about when using multivitamins:

Multivitamins Cannot Prevent You From Having Diseases

Most people who take multivitamins believe that it helps in disease and virus prevention. According to the Council for Responsible Nutrition, the number of individuals who take supplements is continuously increasing since 2016. Almost 3 out of 4 supplement users take multivitamins to boost their energy and overall health. 

Your fitness and health will definitely benefit from taking multivitamins, most especially if you have a nutrition deficiency. Though taking these pills will not miraculously heal your diseases. Vitamins are not medicinal, and most are effective in improving your health when combined with regular exercise and a proper healthy diet. Keep in mind that multivitamins are good, but popping a pill does not guarantee 100% protection from various illnesses.

Taking Multivitamins With Other Supplements Is Not Okay

It is true when others say that too much of anything is likely bad for you. If you think consuming multivitamins combined with more vitamin supplements are better for your body and health, you have never been more wrong. There are recommended limits for specific vitamin intakes that an individual must follow.

You can overdose on vitamins A, D, E, and K because fat-soluble nutrients can be possibly toxic to the body when stored for long periods. Huge amounts of nutrients can sometimes interfere and alter the effects and potency of prescription drugs. For example, vitamin E can contribute to the risk of internal bleeding when mixed with aspirin and warfarin. It is advised to consult a physician or dietician before consuming multivitamins at the same time as your medications. This is also recommended for pregnant and lactating women.

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A healthy diet is still essential.

Relying on multivitamins for proper nutrition is a bad practice. These pills are indeed composed of various vitamins that are needed by your body. But specific vitamin contents are still insufficient to serve as your primary and sole source of nutrients.

Calcium, iron, fiber, and potassium are some of the nutrients most Americans lack. Regular multivitamins already contain these nutrients. The problem is, the amount of nutrients is only limited, and it does not reach the recommended vitamin intake for adults. This is why you still need to consume fruits and vegetables that are rich in minerals and vitamins. Research on what types of food are fortified with certain vitamins, so that you can track your nutrient intake efficiently.

It is best to take your supplement in the morning.

Some people think that taking vitamin supplements at night is more beneficial than taking it in the morning. They claim that they sleep better when taking a pill before going to bed. But researchers and dieticians contradict this idea.

Multivitamins are best taken during the morning when your digestive system is already active. It can absorb and process its components better and faster when compared to your body’s nutrient absorption while sleeping. These pills can also boost your metabolism and improve your energy to help you kickstart your day. It is also proven to enhance your brain function and mental performance.

Keep in mind that it is also recommended to take multivitamins or supplements after meals. Consuming them with an empty stomach can possibly make your stomach upset. If you are going to pop a pill in the morning, do it after you have eaten breakfast. 

Conclusion

Note that it is essential always to know what goes inside your body. Multivitamins are proven to be effective in enhancing one’s health and fitness though it is critical to remember that everything is better consumed in moderation.

It may be a bit difficult, but find time to prepare healthy meals that use vitamin-fortified ingredients to prevent nutritional deficiency. A healthy diet is still the best way to enhance your overall health, and supplements are created just in case you don’t consume much minerals and vitamins. 

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.