The paradox of choice can be stressful, especially when choosing a multivitamin. With so many vitamin and mineral combos available, how do we know what to look for when purchasing a multivitamin? Fortunately, you don’t need a doctorate in nutrition to choose which multivitamin is right for you.
Here are four essentials you should look out for when choosing a daily multivitamin.
Probiotics
Probiotics are “good” microorganisms that are said to aid digestion and enhance the immune system.1 a
Probiotic Advantages: Lower intestine microbes aid in digestion, fight harmful bacteria, and regulate the immune system. However, microorganism imbalances might emerge, resulting in diarrhoea and other health issues.1b
Probiotics can help restore balance to the stomach when it falls out of balance due to abnormal numbers of certain bacteria. They have been proven to secrete defensive chemicals, which may activate the immune system and prevent pathogens from taking hold and causing significant disease.1c
Omega 3
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that the body is incapable of producing from scratch but must get from food or supplements.2a
What makes omega-3 fats unique? They are a component of cell membranes throughout the body and influence the function of cell receptors. They serve as a starting point for the production of hormones that regulate blood clotting, arterial wall contraction and relaxation, and inflammation. They also bind to cell receptors that regulate genetic activity.2b
Omega-3 fats have been discovered to possibly help with heart disease and stroke, as well as help protect against certain cancers.2c
Antioxidants
Antioxidants, also known as “free-radical scavengers”, are compounds that help prevent or reduce cell damage caused by free radicals, which are waste molecules produced by cells as the body processes food and reacts to its surroundings.3a
Oxidative stress can arise when the body is unable to handle and remove free radicals adequately. This has the ability to cause damage to cells and physiological functions.3b
Oxidative stress has been linked to heart disease, cancer, arthritis, stroke, respiratory disorders, immunological deficiency, emphysema, Parkinson’s disease, and other inflammatory or ischemic problems. Antioxidants are supposed to help our bodies neutralise free radicals, which improves overall health.3c
Vitamins and Minerals
Supplements can assist you in obtaining the daily quantity of vitamins and minerals that your body requires to function correctly.4a Here are vitamins and minerals you should take daily and their benefits.
- Vitamin A: It is required for good vision, skin, and hair. Vitamin A also strengthens bones and teeth.4b
- B vitamins maintain normal brain function and memory and are necessary for normal blood cell production and nervous system function.4c
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is high in antioxidants, may reduce the risk of getting the common cold, and maintains skin and tissue health. 4d
- Vitamin D: This vitamin is required for bone health. It regulates the levels of calcium and phosphate in the body.4e
- Vitamin E: This is an important antioxidant that keeps your immune system strong and maintains muscle function.4f
- Vitamin K: This is essential for blood clotting. It aids in wound healing and bone health.4g
- Iron: Iron improves immune function, and brain function and provides energy.4h
- Calcium: Calcium improves muscle function and helps maintain strong teeth and bones.4i
- Zinc: Zinc helps boost your immune system, and memory and reduces common cold symptoms.4j
Get All The Essentials You Need In One Daily Dose!
Not sure which supplements to take? Leading pharmaceutical company Adcock Ingram (Pty) Ltd have a daily vitamin and mineral supplement range, BIOPLUS® VIT-ALITY. For sustainable vitality, every product formulation is designed to give your body the micronutrient support it needs.
Consider BIOPLUS® VIT-ALITY DAILY NUTRI-PACK5. Complete from a-z, BIOPLUS® VIT-ALITY DAILY NUTRI-PACK is a health supplement in a conveniently packaged strip designed to provide you with a daily dose of antioxidants, omega 3, probiotics, vitamins and minerals.5
The BIOPLUS® VIT-ALITY range is available at selected Dis-Chem and Clicks stores, as well as selected independent pharmacies nationwide.
For more information, visit: https://www.adcock.co.za/ProdVitamins/Bioplus and join the conversation on Facebook.
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References:
- Harvard Health Blog. Should you take probiotics? Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/should-you-take-probiotics. Last accessed September 2022.
- Harvard Health Blog. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: An Essential Contribution. Available at: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/fats-and-cholesterol/types-of-fat/omega-3-fats/#:~:text=What%20makes%20omega%2D3%20fats,of%20artery%20walls%2C%20and%20inflammation. Last accessed September 2022.
- Medical News Today. How can antioxidants benefit our health? Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/301506#_noHeaderPrefixedContent. Last accessed September 2022.
- Cleveland Clinic. 9 Vitamins and Minerals You Should Take Daily. Available at: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/which-vitamins-should-you-take/. Last accessed September 2022.
- Bioplus® Vit-Ality Daily Nutri-Pack capsules package insert. Adcock Ingram. 03-2020
Author: Tanja Schmitz
Founder and Editor of Fitness Magazine. You’ll find her behind her computer or on her bike, dreaming up new ways to improve or create content for you.
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