As you’re in the local pharmacy, supermarket, or online store like supplementfirst.com, shopping for supplements, one of the things you’re looking into is whether or not you should take multivitamins or single vitamins.
They all sound the same, so what makes them different? More importantly, is one better than the other? Let’s tackle that topic below.
The Difference Between Multivitamins vs. Single Vitamins
The significant difference between multivitamins and supplements is that multivitamins come in pill form, compacted with various vitamins and minerals. A single vitamin or supplement is usually composed of one primary ingredient.
Usually, people can receive all the necessary vitamins and minerals from nutritious and well-rounded diets. Those who can’t get all their nutrition from food or are diagnosed with conditions that decrease their body’s absorptive abilities would take multivitamins or supplements from brands like Energetix in Supplement First.
About Multivitamins
Multivitamins come with various advantages. For starters, they are easier to take than multiple supplements. Because you are only purchasing one pill, it’s cheaper, and you get good coverage.
However, these pills are not for you if you address a specific vitamin deficiency, as these will require even higher dosages of the individual nutrient to resolve the issue. Multivitamins would contain lower dosages of various vitamins than single vitamins with higher doses of one nutrient.
Moreover, it’s tougher to individualize multivitamins. You might have trouble finding multivitamins with specific vitamins. For instance, you can only find a handful of multivitamins containing iron, so you end up with limited choices.
About Individual Vitamins
Individual vitamins are a good option but not necessary for everyone. Only some people will need individual vitamins from the recommendation of their doctor.
Taking individual vitamins can give consumers benefits like:
- It’s better for those who suffer from specific nutrition deficiencies. If you have a vitamin deficiency, your doctor will likely recommend taking an individual vitamin alongside a meal plan. The common deficiencies that require supplementation include iron, vitamin B12, magnesium, and vitamin D.
- Taking only one supplement from an individual vitamin is pretty straightforward. You know what you’re getting and how much of it your body absorbs. It removes any complications when taking other vitamins.
- In specific situations, people would have increased needs for vitamins, may it be due to age, pregnancy, or specific conditions. Individual vitamins allow people to address this specific need without interrupting the balance of absorbing other nutrients.
With these benefits in mind, it’s also important to note the disadvantages of taking individual vitamins, which are:
- One high-quality brand of an individual vitamin is quite pricey, and if you need more than one, your total would add up.
- Taking multiple individual vitamins might trigger side effects or unwanted complications. That’s why it’s crucial to talk with your doctor before you take any vitamins. Having too much of a specific vitamin can lead to toxicity and unwanted complications.
Wrapping It Up
Before buying any multivitamins, make sure you talk with your doctor about what you really need based on individual factors.