3 minA multivitamin is a compound mixture of various vitamins and minerals. In this article, we will take a closer look at multivitamins. What does a multivitamin consist of? When should I choose to take individual vitamins and when should I choose a multivitamin? You can read the answers to these questions and more below:
In this article, you will read
- What is in a multivitamin?
- When should you choose individual vitamins or a multivitamin?
- The difference between multivitamins in drops and capsules.
- Which multivitamin is best for children and adults?
- What role do multivitamins play in fertility and pregnancy?
- When is the best time to take your multivitamin?
What vitamins are in a multivitamin?
A good multivitamin usually contains all or most of the 13 vitamins: vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, biotin (B8), folic acid (B11), B12, C, D, E and K. Important minerals are also added: calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium.
A distinction is often made between multivitamins for adults and children. In addition, there are also multivitamins on the market specifically for pregnant women, or women who want to become pregnant, athletes, or a distinction is made between men and women. All tailored to the needs of these specific groups.
What is the difference between a multivitamin in drops and capsules?
A multivitamin in drop form works more efficiently and faster than a multivitamin in capsule form. This is because the digestion of a drop starts immediately in the mouth, while the capsule first has to be broken down and processed in the body.
In addition, various studies have shown that liquid supplements not only have a higher peak concentration, but also take less time to reach peak concentration. Furthermore, drops often have a higher concentration than capsules, which ensures higher bioavailability.
Is a multivitamin as good as taking individual vitamins?
Do you find it difficult to eat a healthy or varied diet? Then you may be missing out on a number of different vitamins and minerals. A multivitamin can be a good addition to your diet. Of course, a multivitamin should be a supplement and should not be seen as a replacement.
Do you eat a varied and healthy diet and already get plenty of vitamins from your food? Then it is better to see which vitamins you are still missing and take these separately. Not sure which vitamins or minerals you are missing? Have this tested by your general practitioner, for example.
What is the difference between a multivitamin for children and adults?
Children and adults are in very different stages of life, so it is not surprising that they have very different vitamin requirements. Even as you get older, your needs change, for example if you are pregnant or want to become pregnant.
One of the most important differences between multivitamins for children and adults is the dosage. It is good to know that adults need about three times as much as children. It can be difficult to read packaging, so always choose quantities up to “maximum 30 per cent RDA” (for children). Please note! Children up to the age of 4 do need more vitamin D, namely 10 micrograms per day.
But now that we know this, the question is, of course: which multivitamin is best for my child?
What role do multivitamins play in fertility and pregnancy?
Did you know that only a small number of women consume the recommended daily amount of vitamins and minerals? This is due to our diet, but also to the decrease in the amount of nutrients in our food.
There are multivitamins that have been specially developed for women who want to become pregnant or are already pregnant. These contain the right proportions and dosage of micronutrients for you and your baby. For example, a “regular” multivitamin contains too much vitamin A.
Read here about the best multivitamin for when you are pregnant.
When is the best time of day to take a multivitamin?
It is best to take a multivitamin with a meal. It does not matter which meal. Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble and are better absorbed during a meal that also contains some fat. Vitamin C also promotes the absorption of iron from the meal. For B vitamins, it does not matter when they are taken.
Conclusion
A multivitamin is an easy way to support your health, especially if you are unsure whether you are getting enough vitamins and minerals from your diet. Drops are often absorbed more quickly, while capsules are practical for daily use.
Multivitamins are available in varieties for children, adults and pregnant women, tailored to specific nutritional needs. Special multivitamins are important for pregnant women because they contain less vitamin A and extra folic acid, for example. Children need a lower dose, with extra vitamin D up to the age of 4.
Take your multivitamin with a meal for the best absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). This gives your body effective support to stay healthy!
