• Eating a healthy diet is the ultimate path to optimal nutrition. For those who may fall short on nutrients a multivitamin and mineral supplement may provide a means to fill in the gaps.

• The four most common vitamin deficiencies include vitamin D, B6 and B12, and folic acid. Other common nutritional deficiencies include iron, iodine, magnesium, and calcium. 

• The fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K can be locked away in the liver and body fat, and stored for a long time. The water-soluble vitamins, including B-complex and vitamin C, are mostly only stored for a shorter period.

• Young children may not get enough vitamin A and D even if they’re eating well. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you may not get enough vitamin C, vitamin D or folic acid. You can purchase the supplement of your choice or get these important vitamins for free by using your NHS Healthy Start card. You can get NHS Healthy Start women’s tablets and children’s drops.

Increased Energy Levels

When you don’t get enough vitamins, your body has to work harder to perform simple tasks, which can lead to fatigue and other health problems. Taking multivitamins and keeping a healthy lifestyle can keep you energetic and fit.
 

Improved Mood
Certain studies have shown that a daily multivitamin has positive effects on a person’s mood and emotional well-being. Getting enough vitamins and minerals improves the brain functions responsible for your mood.
 

Reduces Stress and Anxiety
The vitamins and minerals in your daily multivitamin can also significantly reduce levels of stress and anxiety. The body uses B vitamins to convert food into energy, keep the nervous system functioning properly, and to produce stress hormones. Taking multivitamins daily can replenish your body’s supply.
 

Improved Short-Term Memory
Studies have shown that B vitamins have a significant impact in supporting short-term memory function. In the research, older participants who supplemented with vitamin B12 did better in memory tests compared to those who did not take supplements.
 

Maintained Muscle Strength
Free radicals are mainly responsible for muscle aging-related problems. Taking multivitamins daily can help keep these damaging free radicals in check.

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Some common signs of Vitamin deficiency can include:

• Brittle hair and nails;

• Mouth ulcers or cracks in the corners of the mouth;

• Bleeding gums;

• Poor night vision or reduced vision;

• Dry skin, scaly patches and dandruff;

• Hair loss.

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Deficiency in the following vitamins & minerals can cuase:

• Calcium - Numb, Tingling Fingers and Abnormal Heart Rhythm;

• Vitamin D - Fatigue, Bone Pain, Mood Shifts, and More

• Potassium - Muscle Weakness, Constipation, Irregular Heart Rhythm, and More

• Iron - Fatigue, Shortness of Breath, Cold Hands and Feet, Brittle Nails, and More

• Vitamin B12 - Numbness, Fatigue, Swollen Tongue, and More

• Folate - Fatigue, Diarrhea, Smooth Tongue, and More

• Magnesium - Loss of Appetite, Nausea, Fatigue, and More

• The appropriate dosage can depend on a vitamin’s solubility, which is categorized into the following two groups:

  • Water-soluble. Your body flushes out excess amounts of these vitamins through your urine.

  • Fat-soluble. Since your body has no easy way to get rid of these, excess amounts may accumulate in your liver.

• ​There are 3 types of units used to measure amounts of minerals and vitamins:

  • Milligrams (mg) – a milligram is 1 thousandth of a gram and is usually spelt out as mg

  • Micrograms (mcg) – a microgram is 1 millionth of a gram and is usually spelt out as μg or mcg. 1,000 micrograms is equal to 1 milligram.

  • International Units (iu), which are sometimes used to measure vitamins A, D and E – and usually spelt out as IU. The conversion of milligrams (mg) and micrograms (μg) into IU depends on the type of vitamin

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