Do you struggle to get your recommended daily nutrient allowances through food?
Taking a multivitamin provides an easy and convenient way to ensure that you’re meeting your daily recommended vitamin and mineral needs!
In this article, we discuss what a multivitamin is, who should take it, as well as some of the best multivitamins Philippines market today.
What Are Multivitamins?
Essentially, multivitamins are supplements that contain many different minerals and vitamins, often alongside other ingredients. Multivitamins are also known as multis, multi-minerals, or simply vitamins.
As there is no standard for what constitutes a multivitamin, their ingredients and nutrient composition can vary depending on the brand and product. There are also multivitamins combined with iron for those who lack iron in their body. Also, they are available in many forms, including capsules, tablets, liquids, powders, and chewable gummies.Â
Multivitamins are available in pharmacies, supermarkets, and health stores, as well as online.
Who Needs Multivitamins?
You might need a multivitamin if:
- You are at risk for nutritional deficiencies and cannot adapt your diet
- The multivitamin provides sufficient dosages to negate the deficiency risks
- Purchasing the multivitamin is a better, more affordable option than purchasing individual micronutrients
Generally, the people most likely to benefit from taking multivitamins are those who are unable to consume a wide variety of foods – often for financial reasons. Unfortunately, low-income individuals are also the least likely to spend money on multivitamins.
Moreover, we list down some specific populations who are commonly deficient in certain nutrients and may benefit from taking multivitamins.
Pregnant Women
Good nutrition in pregnancy is crucial for the healthy development and growth of your baby. You need to consume enough nutrients to meet your baby’s needs, as well as your own. When you’re pregnant, you need more nutrients, including folate, iodine, protein, and iron. Vitamins B12 and D are also important since they support the development of the baby’s nervous and skeletal systems. Vitamin C intake also helps improve the absorption of iron from your diet.
A multivitamin is a combination of different minerals and vitamins, usually taken as a tablet. Some multivitamins are designed especially for pregnant women. However, they are not a substitute for a nutritious diet. It’s important to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet even if you are taking a multivitamin. If you’re pregnant, avoid taking multivitamins that are not specially designed for pregnancy. Also, make sure to consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
Older People
Older people are more likely to find themselves deficient in some micronutrients, including Vitamins B12, D, and calcium. While science can’t re-create everything nature has packed into whole foods, supplementing your diet with multivitamins should help you stay on top of your game.Â
Currently, a wide variety of multivitamins are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of individuals aged 50 years old and above. These multivitamin supplements may include higher levels of Vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D, E, and folic acid. Some formulations are even gender-specific to meet the individual nutritional needs of men and women. However, seniors should consult their doctor before taking any multivitamin to ensure its appropriateness. This is particularly important if that senior is taking other medications, to make sure that there is no drug interaction.
Dieters
Restrictive diets – such as gluten-free diets, some weight-loss diets, and vegan diets – make it more difficult to meet all of your nutritional needs. Still, those diets don’t necessarily require multivitamin supplementation. Gaps in nutrient intake could be filled by less restrictive versions of the diet or better dietary planning.
Meeting all of your micronutrient needs when you are on a restrictive diet requires good dietary planning. A multivitamin isn’t strictly necessary, but it could make things easier.
2024 Best Multivitamins Philippines
Looking for the leading multivitamins in the Philippines? We list down some of our top recommendations.
1. Kirkland Signature Adult 50+ Mature Multi Vitamins & Minerals
Kirkland Signature Adult 50+ Mature Multi Vitamins & Minerals is specially formulated for adults aged 50 years old and above to fill in nutrient gaps. It contains higher doses of Vitamin B12 to support energy production, as well as calcium and vitamin D to ensure the body’s bone health.
This multivitamin also includes a higher dose of Vitamin E to provide antioxidant support. Overall, Kirkland Signature Adult 50+ Mature Multi Vitamins & Minerals is designed to promote a healthy immune system for older adults, especially if they are unable to get all of the nutrients they need in their diet.
2. Centrum AdultsÂ
Centrum Adults provides complete nutrients from A to Zinc! This multivitamin aims to provide whole-body health with its 30m essential nutrients to fill in nutritional gaps in your body. It contains antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, and Zinc to support your body’s immune system. Also, it contains iron and B vitamins to support your body’s metabolism and provide daily energy to support your needs.
Centrum Adults contains key micronutrients to feed your cells and support your metabolism, immunity, and energy. It has been verified as a gluten-free, non-GMO multivitamin and is easy to swallow. It is the ideal supplement for adults under 50 due to the overall nutrition it provides.
3. Enervon Activ Multivitamins + Minerals + Ginseng + Royal Jelly
Enervon Activ Multivitamins + Minerals + Ginseng + Royal Jelly aims to provide you with immunity, energy, and mental focus. This multivitamin contains vitamins A, C, and E, which are potent antioxidants and minerals, such as zinc to fight free radicals and enhances your body’s immune system.
This multivitamin also contains ginseng to power up your brain, lower blood pressure, and boost your stamina. It also contains royal jelly which supports healthy brain function, lowers cholesterol levels, and aids in skin repair. It works with other vitamins and minerals in order to maintain the healthy state of your body’s functions.
4. Health Fusion MultiVites
Health Fusion MultiVites come in gummy form that both kids and adults can enjoy! This is ideal if you find it hard to swallow a whole tablet or capsule. This multivitamin contains Vitamins C and E, as well as iodine and zinc to support the immune system. It also contains choline and inositol to help brain development, as well as B vitamins to help stimulate energy production.
Health Fusion MultiVites also contains biotin and vitamins A and D to keep your hair, nails, and bones healthy. This multivitamin is made from natural ingredients and has a delicious berry flavor. However, Health Fusion MultiVites gummies do not contain as many active ingredients, so the recommended dosage is around 3 to 4 gummies for adults.
5. Puritan’s Pride ABC Plus Multivitamin and Multi-Mineral Formula
Aside from Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K, and essential minerals, Puritan’s Pride ABC Plus Multivitamin and Multi-Mineral Formula also contains copper which works with iron in forming red blood cells. It also contains manganese, which helps reduce inflammation and regulates blood sugar. It also includes iodine to promote a healthy thyroid and reduce goiter risk.
Puritan’s Pride ABC Plus Multivitamin and Multi-Mineral Formula is formulated to correct nutritional deficiencies, as well as to improve brain function and to promote proper growth and development. Further, this multivitamin doesn’t contain preservatives, sweeteners, or artificial flavors. Puritan’s Pride ABC Plus Multivitamin and Multi-Mineral Formula is ideal for adults who need their daily dose of multivitamins at an affordable cost.
When is the Best Time to Take Multivitamins?
The best time to take your multivitamins depends on the type you are taking. Some multivitamins are best taken after meals, while it’s best to take others on an empty stomach.Â
Talk to your healthcare provider about the multivitamin you are taking and seek personalized advice if you are unsure about the best way to take them.
The Bottom Line
Taking a multivitamin provides an easy and convenient way to ensure that you’re meeting your daily recommended vitamin and mineral needs!
Multivitamins are supplements that contain many different minerals and vitamins, often alongside other ingredients. As there is no standard for what constitutes a multivitamin, their ingredients and nutrient composition can vary depending on the brand and product. Also, they are available in many forms, including capsules, tablets, liquids, powders, and chewable gummies.
Some of the top multivitamins in the Philippines include Kirkland Signature Adult 50+ Mature Multi Vitamins & Minerals, Centrum Adults, Enervon Activ Multivitamins + Minerals + Ginseng + Royal Jelly, Health Fusion MultiVites, and Puritan’s Pride ABC Plus Multivitamin and Multi-Mineral Formula.
