The American advocacy for dietary supplements such as vitamins is world-renowned. According to a report from the U.S. "Health Day" website on November 18th, in the United States, 79% of doctors and 82% of nurses recommend dietary supplements to their patients, and most healthcare professionals themselves also take dietary supplements. In recent years, this trend of "supplementation" has also reached China. However, for multivitamins, the most well-known type of dietary supplement, many people still have many questions. Should they really be supplementing with vitamins? And how should they do it? Vitamins in food are easily lost.
A multivitamin is a tablet containing multiple vitamins and minerals. Many people believe that as long as their diet is sufficiently balanced, there is no need to supplement with multivitamins. In reality, however, it is very difficult for a person to ensure they get enough vitamins from their diet every day. This is because during processing, storage, and cooking, vitamins can easily be lost. Those who eat a very refined diet will lose a large amount of B vitamins; vegetables that are soaked for too long will lose a large amount of water-soluble vitamins; and foods that are stored for too long or cooked by methods like frying or baking can also reduce vitamin content. Therefore, for adults over 18, supplementing with a multivitamin on top of a balanced diet is undoubtedly like buying an "insurance policy". [China Food] 5 Types of People Who Must Supplement with Multivitamins
Among adults over 18, there are 5 specific groups who must supplement with multivitamins.
First, those with long-term irregular diets, picky eaters, or those who cannot guarantee three meals a day.
Second, people in special working conditions, such as those who sit in front of a computer all day, are under high work stress, are highly nervous, frequently fly, or work in high-temperature or cold environments year-round.
Third, those with unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as heavy smokers and alcoholics, as well as "pure vegetarians" who never consume eggs, dairy, or meat.
Fourth, pregnant or postpartum women and patients.
Fifth, the elderly. This group is the "main force" that needs to supplement with multivitamins. As people age, the body's various functions decline, making it very necessary to supplement with vitamins appropriately. Moreover, research shows that supplementing with vitamins is also very beneficial for preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, which is especially important for the elderly. [China Food]
Multivitamins are Most Effective
Of course, when supplementing with vitamins, it is also important to maintain the right balance, otherwise the effort may be counterproductive. First, you must supplement with a multivitamin. It is a composite formulation where various vitamins are combined in specific proportions, ensuring that the vitamins "coexist peacefully" and exert their maximum energy. If you try to mix and take multiple single vitamins yourself, it is not only troublesome, but also fails to achieve the optimal combination. Second, you must take a multivitamin that is an over-the-counter drug according to national standards. Third, you must supplement with the recommended reasonable dosage as advised by a doctor or nutritionist every day. Overuse can lead to adverse reactions such as abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and bleeding. Finally, long-term consistent use is also very important.