There is a wealth of people who supplement their daily nutrition with multivitamin supplements. But what’s the benefit? Are there any positives to taking them? Here we take a look at the top five benefits of taking multivitamins and take a peek at some of the studies that have been undertaken.

What are multivitamins?

Our bodies need nutrients and various vitamins to function and survive. Usually this is achieved with a well-balanced diet. However, in today’s ever-changing world, it seems to get harder and harder to maintain. Maybe it’s the ‘working lunch’ that sees you grabbing some junk food for speed, or a busy work-life balance, that sees you cooking more convenience foods at home because you don’t have time to do anything else.

Multi-vitamins combine a mixture of vitamins and minerals found in all kinds of food sources. This may be Vitamin C or Vitamin E or Vitamin B in one single tablet or capsule. Essentially, a multivitamin can bridge the gap between the nutrients you are getting and the ones you are not.

Five Benefits to Taking Multivitamins

  • Energy Levels – If you’re not getting your essential nutrients your body can tire. Multivitamins when taken as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle can help to improve your energy levels.
  •  Happier Mood – Some studies have shown that taking a multivitamin could have a positive effect on your mood and emotional being. It is suggested that this is due to improved brain function from essential nutrients.
  • Reduction of Stress – While exercise is important for this, having vitamins and minerals in your diet can reduce things like stress and anxiety. Your body uses vitamin B to convert what you eat into energy, keeping your system functioning properly and it helps to produce stress hormones. Multi vitamins tablets can help to keep your body supplied and thus improve your ability to deal with stress.
  • Improved Memory – A study in Australia demonstrated that vitamin B12 can have an impact in improving your memory function. In the research, participants who took B12 functioned better with memory tests, compared to those who took a placebo.
  • Muscle Strength – It is  no secret that free radicals are responsible for aging and depleting of muscles over time. Taking multi vitamins can help to keep things in check.

Research

There has been all kinds of research surrounding the use of multivitamins as a supplement to your diet. Some studies have concluded that they provide little benefit to us. While other studies have seen some positive outcomes in trials for certain types of test subjects.

Research Links   

Harvard - https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/multivitamin/

NHS News - https://www.nhs.uk/news/medication/vitamin-pills-have-limited-benefit-say-researchers/

Oxford Academic - https://academic.oup.com/advances/article/4/6/644/4595569