Should You Take Multivitamins?

Have you ever wondered, should you take multivitamins? With so many options available, it can be challenging to know whether they’re right for you. Multivitamins can provide an easy way to contribute to the maintenance of your body’s normal functions, giving you a broad range of essential nutrients in one step. But do you really need one, or is it better to focus on individual vitamins?

In this post, we’ll explore what multivitamins are, how they work, and whether they’re the right choice for your daily routine.

What are multivitamins?

Multivitamins are supplements that combine essential vitamins and minerals designed to help support nutritional gaps in your diet and your body’s normal functions. While a healthy diet is the best way to get nutrients multivitamins provide a safeguard to ensure you’re getting what your body needs on a daily basis.

What’s in multivitamins?

High-quality multivitamins typically contain several essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to different aspects of health:

• Vitamin A: Contributes to the maintenance of normal vision, skin and immune system function.
• Vitamin D: Contributes to the maintenance of normal bones, teeth and muscle function, as well as the normal function of the immune system.
• Vitamin E: Contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
• Vitamin C: Contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, teeth, gums and bones. It also contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and increases iron absorption.
• B-complex vitamins
• B1 (Thiamine): Contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
• B2 (Riboflavin): Contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
• B3 (Niacin): Contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.
• B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Contributes to normal mental performance.
• B6 (Pyridoxine): Contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity.
• B7 (Biotin): Contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and skin.
• B12 (Cobalamin): Contributes to normal red blood cell formation.
• Folic acid: Contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
• Iron: Contributes to normal cognitive function, normal energy-yielding metabolism, and the normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin.
• Magnesium: Contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, normal muscle function, and the maintenance of normal bones and teeth.
• Zinc: Contributes to normal DNA synthesis, fertility and reproduction, and the maintenance of normal hair, skin and nails.
• Selenium: Contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and nails and the normal function of the immune system.

These vitamins and minerals support your overall health by contributing to the maintenance of various normal body functions, making multivitamins an easy and effective way to get these nutrients all in one.

What ingredients should you avoid in a multivitamin?

While most multivitamins are safe for daily use, some ingredients can be unsuitable in high doses or for certain health conditions or if you are taking certain medications. For example, excessive vitamin A is not recommended for pregnant women. If you’re unsure which multivitamins are right for you, it’s always a good idea to consult a pharmacist or healthcare professional for guidance.

What do multivitamins do?

Multivitamins are designed to provide essential vitamins and minerals to support your health and vitality. For instance, vitamins like B12 and iron contribute to reducing tiredness and fatigue, while vitamin D supports the maintenance of normal bone and muscle health. They can be especially useful if you have dietary restrictions, lead a busy lifestyle, or struggle to get all the nutrients you need from food alone.

Is It better to take a multivitamin or individual vitamins?

The decision to take a multivitamin or individual vitamins depends on your health needs. Multivitamin tablets and gummies offer an all-in-one vitamin supplement, providing a broad spectrum of nutrients in one amount, which is convenient for those who want comprehensive support. However, if you need a higher amount of a specific nutrient, like iron or vitamin D, individual supplements might be more suitable.

What are the benefits of taking multivitamins?

• Convenience: Get multiple important nutrients in one tablet or gummy.
• Daily nutritional support: Daily support
• Comprehensive coverage: Look for comprehensive formulas that provide a balanced blend of vitamins and minerals to complement your diet.

Do You Need a Multivitamin?

So, do you need a multivitamin? It depends on your diet and lifestyle. If you eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, proteins and whole grains, you might already be getting the nutrients you need. However, if your diet lacks variety or you struggle to get enough nutrients, a multivitamin can help support your body’s normal function.

What multivitamins should you take?

Choosing the right multivitamin depends on factors like your age, gender and specific health needs. Our different formulas are tailored to meet the unique requirements of men, women, children and older adults, helping to provide the right nutritional support for every stage of life.

What is a good multivitamin for women?

A good multivitamin for women should include key nutrients like iron which supports normal energy release, calcium which is needed for normal bone health and folic acid which contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy which is important if you're planning a pregnancy or there's a chance you might get pregnant

What is a good multivitamin for men?

A good multivitamin for men typically includes nutrients like zinc, magnesium and vitamin D, which contribute to normal muscle function and immune support . Zinc also contributes to normal reproduction and the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood.

For more guidance on choosing the right multivitamin, you can explore our How to Choose a Multivitamin blog.

Is It good to take a multivitamin every day?

Taking a multivitamin daily helps ensure your body receives the vitamins and minerals it needs to maintain its normal functions. Daily use can support any nutritional gaps and contribute to overall wellbeing when combined with a healthy lifestyle.

When’s the best time to take multivitamins?

The best time to take multivitamins can vary depending on individual preferences, but they should be taken with or after a meal to support absorption. Taking them with food can also help ensure your body uses the nutrients more effectively.

Can you take multivitamins at night?

Yes, you can take multivitamins at night, though if they contain B vitamins, they might make you feel more alert. Taking multivitamins with a main meal is generally recommended for these nutrients.

Can you take multivitamins on a plane?

Yes, multivitamins can be taken on a plane and can help ensure you stay on top of your health while travelling.

How to take multivitamins

Let’s explore a few common questions about taking multivitamins…

Can you take multivitamins while breastfeeding?

Yes, multivitamins can be taken while breastfeeding. Many contain important nutrients for both you and your baby, like vitamin D, which has a role in the process of cell division, supporting your baby's growth and development. For extra support, you can also consider taking a supplement specifically designed for breastfeeding mums, such as our Pregnacare Breast-Feeding Tablets. This formula includes essential vitamins and minerals tailored to the needs of breastfeeding mums. Pregnacare Breast-feeding contains Omega 3 DHA. Maternal intake of DHA is contributes to the normal eye and brain development of breastfed infants. As always, it’s best to consult your doctor before starting any new supplements.

Can you take multivitamins and vitamin D together?

Absolutely. In fact, many multivitamins already include vitamin D. If you’re taking an extra supplement, just keep an eye on your total intake to stay within the recommended levels.

Can you take collagen with multivitamins?

Yes, you can take collagen with multivitamins. They complement each other nicely, with multivitamins providing all-round nutritional support.

Do multivitamins break a fast?

This one’s a bit tricky. If you’re following a strict fast, it depends on the multivitamin. Water-soluble vitamins (like vitamin C or B vitamins) don’t usually break a fast. But if your multivitamin contains fats or sugars, it might. Always check the label if fasting is part of your routine.

Our best multivitamins with minerals

We offer a variety of multivitamins, each tailored to different nutritional needs. Here are some of our top options for men, women, kids and older adults, with details on the nutrients they provide:

• Wellman Max: This comprehensive supplement includes over 30 nutrients, such as vitamin D, zinc and calcium. For example, vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function, while zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood. Additionally, calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones. It also provides Co-Q10, L-Carnitine and Octacosanol.
• Wellwoman Max: Specially tailored for women, Wellwoman Max contains 33 nutrients, including vitamin B6, which contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity, and vitamin B12, which contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism. It also includes calcium, which contributes to the maintenance of normal bones. It also provides Evening Primrose & Starflower Oil.
• Wellkid Smart Chewable: Designed for children aged 4-12, this delicious chewable multivitamin contains nutrients such as vitamin D and iron. For example, vitamin D contributes to the normal growth and development of bones in children, and iron contributes to normal cognitive development in children.
• Wellman 50+: Specifically formulated for men over 50, this well-rounded supplement contains nutrients such as vitamin D, which contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and muscle function, and zinc, which contributes to normal cognitive function and the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood.
• Wellwoman 50+: Aimed at women aged 50 and over, Wellwoman 50+ contains vitamin B12, which contributes to normal psychological function, and vitamin C, which supports normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, bones, and cartilage.

Final thoughts

Taking multivitamins can be a simple yet effective way to support your body’s normal functions, particularly if your diet is lacking in variety. While they aren’t a substitute for a balanced diet, multivitamins offer convenient support for overall health and wellbeing. If you’re unsure about which multivitamin is right for you, consult a pharmacist or healthcare professional to ensure you’re making the best choice for your needs.

Shop our range of multivitamins today to find the perfect fit for you.

Medical disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is intended for general knowledge and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist or a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or making changes to your health routine, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have existing health conditions. This article is not intended to replace the guidance of your healthcare provider.