Do I Really Need A Multivitamin?

Thursday, August 20, 2015
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Author: Faye H.
In a perfect world, we would get all of the nutrients that we need from our food. If you get all of the vitamins and minerals you need from your diet, then there will be no need for multivitamins. Unfortunately, researchers estimate that 90 percent of people are not getting the nutrients that they need from diet alone.
People today are very busy and often eat while they are on the go. Foods that are at fast food restaurants and convenience stores are typically lacking the nutrients that one needs. Overcooking food can also deplete the nutrients that are inside of it.
As strange as it may sound, it is possible to eat regularly and still be malnourished. Malnourished is defined as having a lack of nutrients in one's body. Food today is not as nutritious as it was in the past, which is why malnutrition is becoming more common in developed countries.
Furthermore, even if a person is eating healthy, they still may not be getting the nutrients that they need. That is why most people will benefit from taking a multivitamin. However, it is always a good idea to speak with your doctor before you add a multivitamin to your regimen. This is especially important if you are taking a medication. Multivitamins can sometimes interact with medications.
There are several reasons you may be able to benefit from taking a multivitamin. Below is a list of some of those benefits:
Your Digestion May Be Poor
Even if you are eating healthy, your body still may not be digesting the food properly. If food is not digested properly, then your body will have a much harder time using the nutrients inside of it. Not chewing food properly and eating food too quickly can contribute to poor digestion.
You Have Probably Taken Antibiotics Before
Antibiotics are one of the wonders of modern medicine. Infections that have been fatal in the past can now be successfully treated with antibiotics. Despite the fact that antibiotics have saved lives, they do have their disadvantages. Antibiotics destroy both good and bad bacteria. If the good bacteria in the intestinal wall is destroyed, then the body will have a hard time absorbing B vitamins.
Some Beverages Can Deplete Vitamins And Minerals In The Body
There are a number of beverages that have been shown to deplete nutrients in the body. Beverages like tea and coffee can cause inflammation around the digestive lining. This can make it harder for the body to absorb vitamins and minerals.
Alcohol is another beverage that can interfere with nutrient absorption. Excessive alcohol intake can damage the pancreas and liver. Excessive alcohol intake can also increase your body's need for the B vitamins. That is why people who consume alcohol are more likely to become malnourished.
You May Be Stressed
People today are more stressed now than ever before. In fact, 44 percent of people have reported that their stress level has increased within the past five years. Physical and emotional stress can increase your body's need for vitamin B2, vitamin B5, vitamin B6 and vitamin C.
Your Nutritional Needs May Be Changing
There are several things that can affect your nutritional needs. For example, if a woman is pregnant, then her nutritional needs are higher because she has to support growing baby. Teenagers also have an increased demand for nutrients because of the growth sports that they are experiencing.
The elderly may need additional nutrients. Many elderly people are taking medications that deplete the nutrients in their bodies. The secretion of digestive enzymes also has a tendency to decrease as one gets older. Additionally, chronic illnesses can decrease nutrients in the body.
Low Body Reserves
Many people have trouble storing certain nutrients in their body, such as vitamin A and vitamin E. Some studies suggest that as much as 30 percent of the population may have low reserves of vitamin A. A vitamin A deficiency can be very dangerous.
Vitamin A helps keep the mucous membranes and skin healthy. It also helps protect the vision.
You Are Very Active
Exercise increases your body's demand for nutrients. People who are active need more iron and vitamin C. They also need more of the B vitamins. Getting the right amount of nutrients will help improve your performance.
Food Allergies
Food allergies are becoming more common. In fact, it is estimated that 15 million people in America have a food allergy. People who have food allergies are at an increased risk of suffering nutritional deficiencies because of their food restrictions.