The Word on Weightloss

First things first. A daily multivitamin supplement is not a substitute for a good diet or a better weightloss pprogram. Eating a balance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and “good” fats is always the rule of thumb, but a daily multivitamin could be your insurance policy for momentary lapses in nutrition.
A fundamental understanding for what a multivitamin is also critical. Typically made up of vitamins and minerals, your daily multivitamin is a balance of what an individual is expected to consume to operate at an optimum level.

Vitamins are in the food we eat and are grouped into two categories, water soluble and fat soluble.

• Found mostly in fruits, vegetables and grains, the water soluble vitamins are C and all eight B vitamins. The body needs both of these vitamins every day. There’s no harm if you consume extra water soluble vitamins as the excess is flushed out when you go to the bathroom.
• Fat soluble vitamins are A, D, E and K and are mostly found in fatty foods like meat, dairy, vegetable and fish oils. These vitamins are fat soluble, which means they require fat for absorption and are stored in fat tissue for later use. Unlike the water soluble variety, fat soluble vitamins in excess could be harmful to your body, so pay close attention to your diet and multivitamin consumption.

Then we have minerals, which are inorganic chemical elements that the body needs for healthy growth and metabolism and are involved in making hormones and enzymes. Just as important as vitamins, minerals work with vitamins to perform bodily functions such as digestion, bone formation and strengthening as well as heart function.

Minerals fall into two categories: macro and micro.

Minerals needed in larger quantities of 100 mg or more are considered macro. Calcium, phosphors, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium and sulfur are macro minerals.

Trace elements, or micro minerals are needed in very small amounts, less than 100 mg. Iron, iodine, zinc, chromium, selenium, fluoride, molybdenum, copper and manganese are the micro minerals.

Both vitamins and minerals are needed daily, and of course most doctors and nutrition specialists recommend getting them through the foods you eat. Many studies have been done to decipher if a multivitamin is needed to improve health. Although there is no proof supporting the benefit of multivitamins, there really is no harm in using them either. In most cases, multivitamins are your “back-up plan” as they prove beneficial for those who may skimp on the fruits and vegetables from time to time.

In certain cases, there are other groups who may benefit from using a multivitamin more so than others.

• Children need vitamin D, along with calcium and other vitamins and minerals to support their growing bodies. A daily multivitamin is typically recommended for children because they tend to be picky eaters who absolutely need their vitamins and minerals for growth.
• Pregnant women should also take a multivitamin to ensure that the baby and mother-to-be are getting the nutrients needed during pregnancy. Some nutrients needed during pregnancy may be hard to get through just a balanced diet alone. Folic acid is especially recommended for women who are pregnant because it can reduce the risk of having a baby with a serious birth defect of the brain and spinal cord.
• Vitamin B supplements are an excellent option for vegetarians who miss getting this vitamin since these groups avoid eating fish and meat.

Regardless of whether or not you make multivitamins as part of your daily health regimen or weight loss program, eat as nutritiously as possible and exercising regularly. Think of your multivitamin as your insurance policy for improved health instead of skimping on the foods that are good for you.