A-Z vitamin guide Articles

The best multivitamin, also known as Multi Vitamin Minerals, have been used for decades in North America and other parts of the globe. While Multi Vitamins are not meant to replace a healthy diet they do offer a means of preventing potential nutrient deficiencies from developing if your diet is a little less than ideal.

What Are Multivitamins?

Multivitamins are natural health products which combine primary vitamins and minerals you need for health, all in one product. This limits having to take numerous separate products at one time to get all you need.

Today you can find Multi-Vitamins combined with Greens Products, Probiotics, Raw Foods, Superfoods, Essential fats and more.

Advantages of Taking A Multivitamin

The best multivitamin supplements are used as a basis for providing essential nutrients – vitamins and minerals – to one’s diet.

Because the Standard American and Canadian diet is not generally adequate for providing all you need nutritionally, a Multi-Vitamin can assist. Taking small doses of multiple vitamins and minerals daily will reduce deficiencies from developing.

Another reason to consider a Multi Vitamin Mineral is that studies show our commercially grown food is far less nutrient-dense than it used to be 50 years ago. There are numerous reasons for this, including over-farming practices creating nutrient-deficient soil. So by taking a Multi Vitamin Mineral, you help make up for a lack of nutrients in our soil.

And if you have health concerns you can find Multi-Vitamins geared to specific health issues like Blood Sugar Control, Cardiovascular Health, Women’s and Men’s Health, Pregnancy and Paediatrics.

The Effect Multivitamins Have On Your Health

Vitamins and minerals work in your body in an infinite number of ways. B Vitamins are important for your nervous system, your hormone system and cholesterol levels. Fat soluble vitamins like Vitamin A support your mucus membranes which is important in maintaining a healthy immune system. Vitamin E is important for cardiovascular health and is a potent antioxidant which protects your cells from cellular damage. Minerals support bone, collagen and teeth health. Minerals alkalize your body and also act as cofactors for your detoxification system. And the list goes on.

Vitamins and minerals are central to a healthy functioning body.

Selecting The Best Multivitamin Supplements For Good Health

Take a Multi-Vitamin as recommended daily. You can find Multi-Vitamins in tablet, capsule, liquid or powdered forms. When combined with a Green’s product in the powdered form they are great in a morning health shake combined with Omega 3 oil, and hemp protein powder – which gives your body added fibre and the nine essential amino acids you need for protein, Chia seeds, and extra antioxidant powdered products like Match Green tea and Freeze Dried Acai berry.

With so many products available today, navigating the world of supplements can feel overwhelming. From vitamins and minerals to herbs, probiotics, and specialty formulas, understanding which nutrients truly support your health is essential for making informed choices. Learning about the key supplements that promote energy, immunity, digestion, and overall wellness can help you build a strong foundation for long-term health.

In this article, we'll break down the basics of supplementation and explore the most important nutrients to consider for everyday support. 

How Do Supplements Work?

As a general rule, vitamins and minerals (especially the fat-soluble vitamins D, E, A and K) need to be taken with food. "Taken with food" means just that; try not to take them before your food or at the end of the meal but in the middle, with the meal.

Digestive enzymes help break down food during digestion. These enzymes also help break down supplements for absorption and use.

As a general rule, take many herbal remedies away from meals. You can include greens supplements in this category. Take these supplements on an empty stomach when possible. Aim for 30 minutes before meals or two hours after eating.

How Can I Take Supplements?

Here are some specifics on a few of the more 'pickier' supplements:

Iron

Best absorbed if taken with vitamin C, but must be taken away from both zinc and calcium, as they reduce the absorption of iron. Post-menopausal women and men do not need to supplement their iron, unless directed by a healthcare physician.

Calcium

Takes away from iron and fluoride, as they reduce absorption. To maximize absorption, take only 500 mg at a time, with meals and ensure you are getting adequate vitamin D and magnesium, as they both aid in the absorption of calcium. Calcium-magnesium supplements often serve as an exception to this rule. Many people take them before bed because they may promote relaxation. If you take calcium away from meals, consider calcium citrate. Calcium citrate often absorbs better than calcium carbonate without food.

Probiotics

There is a lot of question about whether a probiotic supplement should be taken with or without food. Although better to take it in, if not at all, most heath care professionals recommend you take it away from food, either first thing in the morning or just before bed.

Fibre

Fibre may alter the absorption of many supplements and medications. The best rule to use with a fibre supplement is to take it away from other supplements and medications (2 hours if possible). It is also very important to increase your water consumption when increasing fibre.

Zinc

Zinc supplements can reduce copper levels, as well as alter the absorption of magnesium. Make sure your multivitamin includes zinc and copper, and ensure your zinc intake stays below the recommended 40 mg/day (Adults).

Interactions between a number of medications and vitamins/minerals exist, most of which will effect absorption and therefore utilization in the body. Always consult with a healthcare professional when starting a new supplement regimen to ensure you are making the right choices for your individual needs.