VITAMINS

5 facts about multivitamins

There are many myths surrounding multivitamins so it’s important that you’re able to sort the fact from the fiction. Read our myth buster guide to help you on your way.

Myth #1: I can share my vitamins with the whole family and even friends

Unfortunately, this is not entirely true. We all have different nutritional needs based on our age, gender and lifestyle. We also differ in our needs based on any existing health conditions you may have along with any medication you may be taking. If you are unsure, consult a healthcare professional to help you choose what you need based on your body and health.

Myth #2: It doesn’t matter when I take my multivitamins

This is not strictly true. Try to take your vitamins during the day, preferably after a meal. Avoiding taking supplements on an empty stomach as this will result in them passing quickly through your body in your urine. This is particularly true of B vitamins and vitamin C¹.

If in doubt, remember to read the label.

Myth #3: I don’t need a multivitamin because I eat healthily

We all strive to eat well and many of us do, but we may struggle with eating a varied diet or reaching the recommended daily amounts. In fact, a recent study by Imperial College London found that eating ten portions a day may have benefits². So, forget the five a day adage and try to consume five portions of fruit and five portions of veg a day instead.

If you struggle to hit your goal or feel that you can do with topping up your nutrient levels, you can always try taking a multivitamin supplement for that extra added goodness. You could try Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil plus Multivitamins contain vitamin B3, which supports an energy yielding metabolism.

Remember to do your research based on your nutritional needs and carefully choose a supplement to benefit your health and lifestyle.

Myth #4: All multivitamins are the same, so it doesn’t matter which one I buy

There is a specific nutrient reference value (NRV) for most minerals and vitamins so it’s important to be aware of the amounts needed to maintain a health. When choosing your multivitamin beware of how much of each vitamin and mineral is present as this varies from brand to brand.

In fact, multivitamin products within brands differ too according to nutritional requirements based on gender and age, Seven Seas Perfect 7 range is an example of this. Perfect 7 Man contains Vitamin D for the maintenance of muscle and bones, while Perfect 7 Woman contains zinc and biotin which contributes towards healthy hair, skin and nails.

Read the labels on the packaging to know how much each ingredient is in your supplement.

Finally, it’s essential to find a trusted brand that follows good practice guidelines and meets industry standards for your nutritional needs.

Myth #5: Vitamins and minerals are the same thing

Most people use the terms ‘vitamin’ and ‘mineral’ interchangeably and do not recognise that there is a difference between the two.

Vitamins are organic compounds important for health. Minerals are inorganic compounds that are also needed for normal functioning of the body³.

The 10 most important minerals are:

- Calcium

- Iodine

- Iron

- Magnesium

- Phosphorus

- Copper

- Manganese

- Chromium

- Selenium

- Zinc

Other minerals are known as trace elements⁴.

Taking a multivitamin supplement

If you could do with a boost of vitamins and minerals in addition to your diet, a Seven Seas multivitamin could help. It’s also important to remember that food supplements can’t replace a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

VITAMIN D BENEFITS

Regardless of age, vitamin D is needed for the maintenance of normal bones, because it helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus. It supports the proper functioning of muscles. It also aids in the process of cell division, which helps our bodies grow and repair themselves. Vitamin D contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system, which is the body's natural defence against germs and harmful bacteria.

VITAMIN D SOURCES

Sunlight is the most plentiful natural source of vitamin D. There are very few naturally occurring dietary sources of vitamin D. Exceptions to this are cod liver oil and oily fish (like salmon and swordfish), which are all rich sources of the vitamin. Most often, we consume vitamin D via fortified foods such as milk, yoghurt, margarine, orange juice and breakfast cereals.