What are multivitamins and what do they do?
Multivitamins are food supplements that combine several vitamins and minerals to complement and improve nutrition.
They are recommended for people with nutrient-poor diets, for athletes and people with active lifestyles, to cover special nutritional needs and to improve general health.
Multivitamins should be taken with a meal, following the manufacturer’s instructions, and should not replace a balanced diet.
There are different types of multivitamins available on the market, tailored to the individual needs of the person, including options for vegans, women and men.
Vitamin complexes or multivitamins are food supplements designed to enrich our diet with a wide range of essential nutrients, combining several vitamins and minerals in a single dose.
Their popularity among athletes lies in their multiple benefits, such as improving muscle recovery, strengthening the immune system, fighting fatigue and protecting cells. Among the most important nutrients for athletes are vitamins B, A, C, D, and E, along with essential minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc.
This post delves into how these supplements can optimize the performance and well-being of athletes, highlighting their importance in sports nutrition.
What are they for and who is their use recommended for?
These supplements combine different vitamins and minerals to help compensate for a nutrient-poor diet or to support the nutritional demands of an active lifestyle. Multivitamins are recommended for:
If your diet lacks certain essential nutrients due to restrictive or selective eating habits, multivitamins can be a useful supplement.
They act as nutritional insurance, helping to fill any nutritional gaps that may exist, ensuring that your body receives a wide range of vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal functioning.
Active Lifestyle or Athletes
Athletes and people with a very active lifestyle put their bodies under greater physical stress, which increases their nutrient needs to maintain optimal performance, recover properly, and avoid burnout.
Multivitamins can offer essential support, providing key nutrients that support energy, muscle recovery, and endurance.
People with specific nutritional needs, such as pregnant women, vegans, or vegetarians, may find multivitamins a valuable tool to ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients.
For example, iron, vitamin B12, and folate are critical during pregnancy and may be difficult to obtain in sufficient quantities through the diet for vegans and vegetarians.
Improving Overall Health
Beyond covering specific nutritional needs, multivitamins can play an important role in improving overall health.
They can strengthen the immune system, increase energy levels, improve skin and eye health, and contribute to overall well-being. Although they do not replace a balanced diet, they can be a useful complement to promote healthy living.