Can Multivitamins Substitute a Healthy Balanced Diet? No. Multivitamins aim to SUPPLEMENT our dietary intakes, as they contain small amounts of a variety of essential nutrients, naturally found in our foods. Who needs a multivitamin? When considering the latest recommendations, all adults should take a multivitamin daily, to help optimise nutritional intake to help maintain general health and well-being.However, certain groups of people are particularly vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies as they may have increased requirements or restricted dietary intakes: Infants: During the rapid growth phases, infants need optimal nutritional intake daily to optimize growth and development. Adolescents: Adolescents have increased nutritional requirements during the rapid growth phases, as well as to maintain physical activity. Chronically ill: Requirements for many nutrients are increased during illnesses due to altered metabolism and possibly restricted nutritional intake. People on chronic medication: Many medicines interfere with the metabolism of a variety of nutrients. Examples include pain killers, antibiotics, laxatives, diuretics, anti-inflammatory medicines, oral contraceptives, cholesterol lowering medicines, antidepressants, medication for high blood pressure, asthma, epilepsy, TB and AIDS. Pregnant & breastfeeding women: Nutritional requirements are significantly increased for the growth and development of the baby, as well as the maintenance of health and well-being of the mother. Vegans (strict vegetarians): Strict vegetarians may be at risk of developing deficiencies in certain nutrients, including iron and Vitamin B12, as these nutrients are found in concentrated, bio-available concentrations in animal foods. Food allergies or intolerances: Dietary restrictions due to food allergies or intolerances, such as lactose (dairy) intolerance or wheat sensitivities, may result in insufficient intake of essential nutrients. Elderly: The use of chronic medication, restricted dietary intake and decreased absorption of nutrients from foods, resulting from changes in the digestive systems, put the elderly at risk of nutritional deficiencies. Alcohol Dependent People: The following 3 factors increase nutritional requirements of this group: alcohol interferes with the absorption of certain nutrients alcohol metabolism in the liver utilizes essential nutrients alcohol dependent people typically do not consume healthy balanced meals on a daily basis
Safety of Nutritional Supplements Multivitamins are generally safe as they contain small quantities of a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. It is highly unlikely to ingest excessive doses of individual nutrients by taking a multivitamin daily, according to the dosage instructions. |
