Benefits of taking a multivitamin

Taking a multivitamin that contains a carefully chosen combination of vitamins and minerals can be particularly beneficial if you’re wanting to support your general health and wellbeing. Learn why and how to choose the right multivitamin for you.

Supplements containing one or two key ingredients can be ideal in certain circumstances. For example, when you know your diet’s lacking in omega-3s or you’re after the health benefits that a higher dose of them can help deliver, you might choose to take a fish oil supplement. Or, if you’ve been advised to top your iron or vitamin D levels up, taking an iron-only formula or a vitamin-D supplement can work a treat.

But in other situations, choosing a multivitamin can be a smart move. Here’s a handful of reasons when it might be the right choice for you – and why.

1. If your diet isn’t well balanced

Taking a multivitamin has been shown to increase the amount of key nutrients you get each day. While you should still strive to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, for some, diet alone does not provide enough vitamins and minerals. For example people following a low-kilojoule or a strict vegetarian or vegan diet, might consider taking a multivitamin. Plus, it’s also worth remembering that in Australia, even among people without dietary restrictions, only one in two adults eat sufficient serves of fruit. And only seven per cent of us eat enough vegetables.

2. If you're lacking in energy

If you are feeling fatigued and tired, you may not be getting enough nutrients from your diet. Most multis contain magnesium and B vitamins which are important for carbohydrate and energy metabolism so can contribute to energy production. If you are vegan or vegetarian energy may be affected if you are not getting enough iron or B12, so look for these in your multi if you suspect a deficiency.

3. If you’re pregnant or planning to be

A range of vitamins and minerals are considered essential when you’re trying to get pregnant or already are. While all women who are planning a pregnancy or are already pregnant are advised to supplement some specific nutrients like folic acid for a certain amount of time, other women may benefit from taking a multivitamin supplement. Pregnancy and preconception multivitamins are formulated to meet nutritional requirements.

4. If you feel like your hair, skin and nails could do with a pep

A number of different vitamins and minerals like silica and biotin can play a role in hair health, and they’re often the same ones that can help to support your skin and nails, too. Taking a supplement that combines the nutrients that can help to support all three makes things simple.

5. Or if you just feel like you need a bit of extra …. something, but you can’t quite put your finger on what.

The beauty of multivitamins is that they’re often formulated for specific life stages, bearing in mind that requirements for certain nutrients shift depending on both age and gender. So, being able to take a multivitamin that’s been specifically formulated for women or men, teenage boys or girls, or people who’ve celebrated their 50th birthday, can help you hit your nutrient targets in a once-a-day tablet.

Still not sure if a multivitamin is right for you? To find out, Ask A Blackmores Naturopath for free, personalised advice.

Read more about our full range of Multivitamins