7 Benefits of Taking Vitamins on a Daily Basis

Between the Flintstones chewables we ate as kids and the flashy cereal and juice boxes, vitamins have always been a huge part of our lives. Experts⁽¹⁾ suggest that anything from a common cold to more severe diseases, like osteoporosis, are no match for a vitamin fortified body.
Have you ever wondered how vitamins influence your body's immunity? Read on to find out the seven benefits of taking vitamins daily.

Why it Matters

Science⁽²⁾ says there are 13 vitamins the human body needs to function properly: vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and the B vitamins. Even though we should get enough of them from a balanced diet, those who deal with special dietary needs (gluten or lactose intolerance, vegetarians, or vegans) simply need the help of vitamin supplements to reach the daily recommended intake. For example, vegetarians and vegans not only need but have to supplements with vitamin B12⁽³⁾ since this nutrient is mostly found in meat and other animal products which are not part of their diet. In such cases, resorting to vitamin supplements is a lifesaver.

The Multivitamin Approach

We know why vitamins are important, but let's find out which vitamins are actually worth our attention. We couldn’t help noticing, in recent years, the growing popularity of multivitamins⁽⁴⁾. Because they contain multiple vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial ingredients in each dose, these all-in-one supplements are the perfect alternative for those of us who need them.

7 Benefits of Taking Vitamins/Multivitamins Daily

Are you curious as to what vitamins/multivitamins have in store for you and your health? Let the countdown begin!

1. Prevents Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage

Free radicals are usually the ones responsible for exercise-induced muscle damage. Experts decided to examine if the antioxidants properties of vitamins could prevent harm from occurring. Based on the study's⁽⁵⁾ findings, taking vitamins reduces the muscle damaging effects of regular heavy exercise.

2. Maintains Muscle Mass Despite Aging

Exercise induced muscle damage aside, the antioxidant profile of multivitamins may delay the progression of age related macular degeneration (AMD). ⁽⁶⁾  AMD is the leading cause of age related blindness and visual impairment in individuals over 65 years old. Taking vitamins on a daily basis may pay off down the line.

3. Wards Off Diabetes

Vitamins A, C, and E are usually found depleted in individuals who have diabetes⁽⁷⁾. Taking multivitamins, including these three vitamins (A,C, and E), helps gain control over the metabolic responses in people with diabetes, along with a clean eating diet and lifestyle changes.

4. Prevents Cancer

According to one recent study⁽⁸⁾, multivitamins can significantly affect cancer development. In fact, some individuals, due to the lethargic antioxidant response in their body, are more likely to grow cancerous tumors,. By providing what the body needs, these supplements may reduce the oxidative cell damage and, thus, cancer.

5. Boosts Energy Levels

B-complex vitamins⁽⁹⁾ have one thing in common: they convert the food we eat into substantial amounts of energy. It comes as no surprise that taking vitamins on a regular basis is linked to increased energy levels throughout the day.

6. Improves Cognitive Health and Memory

Vitamin supplementation has been rumored to improve cognitive health and, particularly, short term memory. But what does science have to say about this? One recent study⁽¹⁰⁾ concludes that taking vitamins may enhance cognitive performance in elderly individuals. This scientific finding is a massive breakthrough, considering the beneficial effects it may have on patients with neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's, and their prevention.

7. Promotes Weight Loss

Two-thirds of Americans⁽¹¹⁾ are considered overweight or obese these days. This mainly occurs because our diets lack basic nutrients, and we lead, on average, sedentary lifestyles. Science⁽¹²⁾ has come up with a natural and healthy way to deal with this issue. It all boils down to receiving the proper amounts of nutrients, including vitamins. For example, people who are well stocked on vitamin C tend to burn 30% more fat during moderate physical activity than those who lack the nutrient.

Final Thoughts

While more research is being done on the long term effects of taking vitamins, when you make multivitamins a part of your daily life, you'll benefit in many ways. Like with every supplement, multivitamins and supplements should be consumed wisely, not excessively. Before you start popping those vitamins, it's best to consult an expert who can guide you safely throughout the process.

 


References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2906676/
2. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/whats-your-plate/vitamins-minerals
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23178706
4. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/MVMS-Consumer/#h5
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8776010
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1462955/
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25388747
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17764205
9. https://medlineplus.gov/bvitamins.html
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20191258
11. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/Pages/overweight-obesity-statistics.aspx
12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15930480

 

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