For many people, taking a multivitamin is the first step to starting a supplement regimen.
Not only are multis broadly recommended, but they’re easy to find, too.
Just take a stroll through a drugstore and you’ll findoptions galore.
However, the wellness potential of a supplement routine can extend much further than your daily multivitamin.
But when (and how) do you choose betweenmultivitaminsvs.
individual vitamins, exactly?
Multivitamin pros.
If you’re looking to get into supplements,multivitamins are an excellent place to start.
(Need help choosing the right multivitamin?
Check outour guide right here.)
Summary
Multivitamin cons.
Despite the nutritional multitasking of quality multivitamins, there are several factors to consider.
Meaning, some multis on the market may skimp on the vitamins and mineralsyouare missing in exact amounts.
This can be especially true if you’re following a certain diet, such as vegan or keto.
(Hence the case for individual vitamins for targeted needs above and beyond your multi).
Absorption considerations are also in the mix.
The pros of individual vitamins.
Speaking of the incremental benefits of utilizing individual vitamins, let’s explore the pros.
*
And don’t get confused: “Single vitamins as a concept is just semantics.
A personalized vitamin regimen may also pave the way for optimal absorption.
For instance, “bothzinc and calcium compete with iron for absorption,” shares Foley.
The cons of individual vitamins.
This can take some real intention, especially if you’re frequently on the go.
Plus, it may become costly, albeit an investment in health and well-being.
For example, a multivitamin withironcombined with a separate stand-alone high-dose iron.
Nutrition is so very personalized.
Higher intake levels over prolonged periods of time may lead to side effects.
For example, “too much vitamin K may interfere with blood clotting,” says Foley.
It’s not about restriction but instead personalized approaches and monitoring.”
The case for multis and individual vitamins peacefully coexisting.
As Ferira shares, “The question of a multivitamin versus individual vitamins is a funny one to me.
I get the query, but as a nutrition scientist, it also bewilders me.
She goes on to say that “people think these supplements somehow preclude or exclude each other.
That is absolutely not the case.
Which vitamins to take besides a multi.
*
If you’re not sure which nutrients to add to your lineup, consider the following nutrients.
The takeaway.
Generally, a quality multivitamin is an essential component of any supplement routine.
“Think of your multi as your essential launchpad to complement a healthy diet,” says Ferira.
A multi can help fill in numerous nutritional gaps, making it a beneficial product for most individuals.
*
To support overall nutrient sufficiency, look for a comprehensive and clean multi formula.
*
