Multivitamins – How Do You Choose The Right One?

Multivitamins – How Do You Choose The Right One?

There's no real substitute for a varied, healthy diet, but sometimes that's easier said than done. If you find it hard to maintain a nutritious diet or feel like you need some extra help to support your lifestyle, you might be considering taking a multivitamin.

But there are so many different types of multivitamins available these days, it can be difficult to work out which one to choose. So how do you choose which multivitamin suits you best?

Most vitamins and minerals play a range of roles, but here are those you should be aware of:

Women:

- Iron is essential for women for a number of reasons. It's essential for energy production and a healthy immune system, and helps support cognition. Low levels of iron can lead to apathy, fatigue, irritability and inability to concentrate, so you want to make sure your body gets enough of this one.

- Zinc is essential in the detoxification of chemicals, such as alcohol, and for a healthy immune system.

- Iodine is necessary for the thyroid gland, which governs metabolism.

- Folic acid helps support normal cognition and balanced mood.

- Vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6 and B12 are important in the conversion of foods to fuel.

- Vitamins C and E are antioxidant nutrients that play a role in a healthy heart and immune system.

Men:

- Zinc is essential for men for energy production, detoxification, reproductive health and production of healthy sperm. It's also involved in the maintenance and repair of muscle tissue. Low levels of zinc can impair exercise performance in men.

- Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12 support the healthy functioning of the nervous system.

- Magnesium and manganese are both important in energy production.

- Antioxidants assist in protecting muscle tissue against strenous exercise-induced free radical damage.

- Tribulus is used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines to support male sexual performance.

- Vitamin D is an important one for keen exercisers, as it's required for bone health and healthy muscle function, and supports immune health.

- Zinc is also required for bone health, and supports immune health and metabolism.

- Vitamin C can contribute to reduction of fatigue and tiredness caused by inadequate dietary intake.

- Vitamins B1 and B2 play a role in cellular energy production and support metabolism. They can also contribute to reduction of fatigue and tiredness caused by inadequate dietary intake.

- Vitamins B3 and B5 provide the above benffits, as well as being important for the body's response to stress.

- Vitamin C is important for the body's response to stress.

- Siberian ginseng supports endurance, stamina and exercise performance.

Find out more about vitamins and minerals and where to get them and more, on the Blackmores Multivitamins Health Hub.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional. Vitamin supplements should not replace a balanced diet.