Multivitamin and mineral supplements are one of the most important forms of supplementation due to our bodies’ nutritional starvation in terms of essential vitamins and minerals. The truth is that a majority of people these days are not getting all the nutrients their bodies need in order to perform at peak potential. Many factors contribute to this problem, such as the prevalence of unhealthy processed foods that contain little beneficial nutritional content. Another common problem is our modern lifestyles, which can be spent trapped in sunshine-free buildings, lack a proper amount of exercise, or lead us to rely on convenient ‘snack’ foods that meet our on-the-go requirements but not our bodies’ nutritional needs.

Multivitamin and mineral supplements are formulated to meet the daily essential vitamin and mineral needs of our bodies. Multivitamin and mineral supplements assist the body to conduct many basic functions, including cell regeneration, and cardiovascular, brain, and other organ functions. It is important to stay within the recommended dose of multivitamin and mineral supplementation. Going beyond the daily amount recommended by experts will not provide further benefits, and can even be counterproductive or detrimental to overall health and wellbeing.

Multivitamin and mineral supplements commonly contain daily amounts of vitamins A, C, E, and a number of B vitamins, folic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and beta carotene. Beyond these staple vitamins and minerals, many multivitamin and mineral supplements have recently tended to include other beneficial ingredients, like omega-3 essential fatty acids and pro-biotic nutrients.

Omega-3 essential fatty acids are very beneficial to a number of bodily functions, including brain functions, memory capacity and mental agility, as well as heightened alertness. Omega-3 oils have also been shown to substantially reduce risk of arthritis, as it lubricates joints and protects cartilage. Pro-biotic nutrients are bacteria that help to break down and digest food. By allowing more nutrients to reach their targets more quickly, pro-biotic nutrients eliminate poor digestion and can protect against and treat certain digestive diseases.

Calcium is widely recognized as a preventative measure against osteoporosis, is necessary for strong bones and teeth, and plays an important role in blood clotting, muscle contraction, hormonal secretion and normal nervous system functions. Chloride is important for healthy digestive functions in the stomach, ensuring production of digestive juices and helping the body maintain fluid balance.

Magnesium is a vital mineral required for hundreds of biochemical reactions, normal muscle and nerve functions, a healthy cardiovascular system, strong bones, and a proper functioning immune system. Phosphorus plays an important role in many biochemical reactions that convert foods into energy, and also helps with muscle contraction, nerve conduction and normal kidney function. Sodium is found in the fluid surrounding the cells and is used to regulate blood pressure and pH balance. Muscles and nervous system functions also need sodium to function effectively.

Iron works with red blood cell production and energy production. Zinc improves immune system functions and is important for growth and bodily development. Copper is a vital trace mineral in terms of the healing process, and manganese regulates blood sugar and aids the immune system. Selenium functions as an antioxidant and protects the immune system, while iodine assists in metabolizing fat and helps with mental development.