Our fast paced and stressful lifestyles as well as poor food choices can result in deficiencies in vitamin and mineral levels in our bodies.

With a few exceptions, vitamins and minerals generally cannot be produced by the human body and must be obtained from food or dietary supplements.

The solution is a multivitamin that will assist in filling gaps in your diet which will enable you to function optimally. There are different options to consider when choosing your multivitamins:

• Comprehensive, easy and convenient.
• Customized to suite your needs depending on your age/gender and lifestyle related.
• High strength or with an added boost.
• Different dosage formats such as capsules, tablets, fizzies and shakes.
   

Interesting facts

• There are 13 essential vitamins that the body needs: vitamins A, C, D, E, K and the B vitamins (folate, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, Biotin, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12).
• The recommended daily dose for multivitamins varies depending on a person's age, gender, overall health and environment. In South Africa this is specified as ‘’Nutrient Reference Values” (NRV) on the label. The government has compiled a series of guidelines on NRV’s of essential vitamins and minerals.
• Multivitamins may be recommended for individuals who eat poor diets, live stressful lifestyles or have difficulty absorbing nutrients.
• Absorption of vitamins may decrease with age and therefore a supplement could assist.
• Multivitamins represent a wide group of vitamins and minerals that are used alone or in combination so you need to check for the specific vitamins and minerals for information regarding their interactions with other medicines and diseases/ conditions.
• Store supplements in a cold, dry place.
• Ask your medical practitioner or pharmacist for advice before buying vitamin or mineral supplements.
• Unless you have a confirmed deficiency, avoid vitamins A and E in single preparations or in different combinations, as it can have negative effects.