Data from the National Center for Health Statistics revealed that multivitamins are the most commonly used dietary supplement in the United States. In fact, nearly one-third of U.S. adults take a daily multivitamin supplement.
Should you take a multivitamin? Remember that multivitamins aren’t a cure-all, and it’s still important to try to get your nutrients from food, but they can still have a place in your daily routine.
Learn more about the benefits of multivitamins and how to choose the right multivitamin for you.
Multivitamins can help fill any nutrient gaps in your diet.
Nutrition is vital for a healthy lifestyle. While a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can provide most of the nutrients you need to thrive, it can be difficult to maintain a balanced diet every single day.
That’s where multivitamins can step in to help. Multivitamins typically contain a combination of vitamins and minerals, so they can bridge any gaps in your diet and make sure you maintain healthy levels of essential nutrients.*
Multivitamins can help support a healthy immune system.*
Keeping your immune health up is as important as ever. In addition to adequate sleep and regular exercise, certain nutrients, like vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc, play a huge role in keeping your immune system in shape.* Make sure you choose a multivitamin that includes these top fighters.
Multivitamins are tied to healthy brain function.*
There are several things you can do to keep your brain healthy – keep your mind young with word puzzles or math problems, exercise regularly, and eat a heart-healthy diet. A daily multivitamin might be helpful, too. Research suggests that taking a multivitamin may help support healthy cognitive function as you age.*
Think about pairing your morning brain teaser with a multivitamin supplement to support healthy brain function for years to come.*
Multivitamins can help support healthy aging.*
Aging is a natural process – it’s an inevitable part of life. But as you get older, your body may have a harder time absorbing some nutrients, and you may take certain medications that can impact your nutrient levels. You also require more of certain nutrients as you age, including calcium and vitamin D to help maintain strong bones.*
So, it’s a catch-22. You need more of certain nutrients as you age but may also have difficulty absorbing some nutrients. Talk to your healthcare provider about your specific needs and consider a high-quality multivitamin to make sure you get the nutrients you need as you grow older.
Should you take a multivitamin?
The bottom line: if you struggle to maintain a balanced diet each day and are concerned that you may not meet your nutrient needs through food alone, consider adding a high-quality multivitamin supplement to your daily routine.
How do you choose a high-quality multivitamin?
Your nutrient needs vary based on your age and gender, so be sure to take that into consideration when choosing the right multivitamin supplement for you. Certain multivitamins are formulated for men and women at different stages of life. For example, multivitamins for women 51+ and men often contain less iron than those for younger women.
Opt for a multivitamin supplement that has been tested and certified by NSF® International or USP®. This ensures that your multivitamin is free of contaminants and contains the nutrients listed on the supplement facts panel in the correct amounts.
Remember, a daily multivitamin can never replace a balanced, varied diet – focus on food first to get the nutrients you need. But multivitamins can help bridge any nutrient gaps in your diet, support immune and brain health, and promote healthy aging.* If you choose to take a multivitamin, make sure its formulation aligns with your nutrient needs at your stage of life and opt for a product tested by NSF® International or USP® to guarantee its quality.