Multivitamins

Multi vitamins are considered the best source of mineral consumption. Although it hasn’t been proven that a daily multivitamin supplement containing 100% of the Daily Value of most vitamins and essential minerals will lead to better health for well-nourished people, recent research indicates that several of the nutrients found in standard multivitamin supplements play important roles in preventing chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis.

A daily multivitamin supplement ensures an adequate intake of several micronutrients that are not always present in the diet in optimal amounts.

Folic acid

Birth defects like spina bifida are less common in the infants of women who start taking folic acid supplements prior to conception. Increased folic acid intakes can lower homocysteine levels, and high homocysteine levels are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimer’s disease.

Increased folic acid intake may decrease the risk of some types of cancer, especially in those who drink alcoholic beverages.

Vitamin B12

In many people, the ability to absorb vitamin B12 from food but not from supplements declines with age. For this reason, the Institute of Medicine recommends that adults over the age of 50 obtain the RDA for vitamin B12 from supplements or fortified foods. Since it is only found in animal products, strict vegetarians also need to get vitamin B12 from a supplement or fortified foods.

Vitamin D

In many parts of the world, there is insufficient ultraviolet light for vitamin D synthesis in the skin during winter. Using sunscreen and avoiding sun exposure to prevent skin damage also prevents vitamin D synthesis. Vitamin D synthesis in the skin declines with age.

Iron

Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency worldwide and is a significant problem in the U.S. Although uncommon in men and postmenopausal women, iron deficiency is still common in children, adolescents, and premenopausal women.