Food is important. Food is great. But food is complex. In the world of ever-changing dietary information and diets, all aspects of nutrition should be understood! Foods are essentially complexes of macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients – proteins, carbohydrates, and fats – are the sources of energy and building blocks that are derived from consumed foods. Micronutrients consist of vitamins and minerals, which do not provide energy but instead support the body’s processes at the cellular level. A well-balanced diet caters to both macronutrient consumption as well as micronutrient needs!
Multivitamins are items that contain large doses of multiple vitamins and minerals. It is often advertised that multivitamins prevent chronic illnesses and ailments. Due to the large amounts needed to overconsume, it is nearly infeasible to “overdose” on micronutrients (but don’t go taking too many multivitamins a day!). According to a study performed by the Nutrition Journal, the average American diet is severely lacking in foods that contain necessary micronutrients for a balanced diet: fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The use of multivitamins to support this dietary imbalance aids in combating chronic deficiencies and help maintain health, while having no increase to risk of mortality (Ward, E., 2014).
If you’re on a diet that restricts certain foods or feel as though your daily consumption isn’t as balanced as it should be, a multivitamin may be beneficial addition to your diet.
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