Multivitamin tablets are an extremely popular dietary supplement in the UK and around the world. They contain a combination of essential vitamins that can help to support overall health and wellness.
One of the main benefits of multivitamin tablets is that they can help to fill nutrient gaps in the diet. Many people do not get all of the nutrients they need from their diet alone, especially if they follow diets that cut out certain food groups, have food allergies or intolerances, or have a busy lifestyle that makes it difficult to eat a balanced diet. Multivitamin tablets can help to ensure that the body is getting the nutrients it needs to function properly. This is even more beneficial if the supplement is available in a simple one-a-day, all-in-one tablet with the exact daily dose of the government-recommended intake of vitamins.
Tablet or fizzy effervescent?
The NHS website notes that it may be beneficial for people to take vitamin supplements in tablet form, as opposed to fizzy effervescent, because these are often high in salt content, which may not be ideal, especially for those advised to reduce their overall salt intake.
13 essential vitamins
Below is a useful summary of the known health benefits of each of the 13 essential vitamins:
Vitamin A: Helps to maintain healthy vision, skin, and immune function.
Vitamin B1 (thiamin): Helps to convert food into energy and is important for nerve function.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): Helps to convert food into energy and is important for healthy skin and eyes.
Vitamin B3 (niacin): Helps to convert food into energy and is important for maintaining healthy skin and nerves.
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): Helps to convert food into energy and is important for the synthesis of hormones and cholesterol.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): Helps to convert food into energy and is important for the synthesis of hormones, red blood cells, and neurotransmitters.
Vitamin B7 (biotin): Helps to convert food into energy and is important for the metabolism of fats and amino acids.
Vitamin B9 (folic acid): Helps to form red blood cells and is important for proper brain function.
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin): Helps to form red blood cells and is important for proper brain function and the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates.
Vitamin C: Helps to maintain healthy skin and connective tissue, and supports the immune system.
Vitamin D: Helps to maintain healthy bones and teeth by promoting the absorption of calcium, and supports the immune system.*
Vitamin E: Helps to protect cells from oxidative stress and is important for healthy skin and eyes.
Vitamin K: Helps to promote the proper utilization of calcium in the body, which is important for bone health. It also helps to promote the proper formation of blood clots.
* Note that the NHS website, based on the latest government and scientific findings, suggests that people in the UK ensure they take a vitamin D supplement through winter:
“Because it’s difficult for people to get enough vitamin D from food alone, everyone (including pregnant and breastfeeding women) should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D during the autumn and winter.”
NHS website, last updated 22 November 2019
Some people may find that taking a multivitamin helps to improve their energy levels and overall sense of well-being. This is because many vitamins play a role in maintaining the body’s holistic systems and processes, and a deficiency in any of these nutrients can affect overall health and energy levels.
Multivitamins without Iron
Some multivitamin supplements do not contain iron. There are a few reasons why it is beneficial to choose a multivitamin supplement that does not contain iron:
- Iron overload: Some people have a condition known as hemochromatosis, which causes the body to absorb too much iron from the diet. For these individuals, taking a multivitamin that contains iron can lead to iron overload, which can cause them serious health problems.
- Menstruation: Women who are menstruating may need more iron in their diet, but taking a multivitamin with iron may not be necessary. In these cases, it may be more beneficial to consume iron-rich foods or take a separate iron supplement as needed – which does not interfere with their daily multivitamin supplement.
- Personal preference: Some people may simply prefer to take a multivitamin without iron because they feel that they are getting enough of this nutrient already from their diet or from other supplements they are taking.
It’s important to note that while multivitamin tablets can be a helpful supplement, they should not be used as a replacement for a healthy, balanced diet and lifestyle. It’s always best to try to get the nutrients your body needs from food sources and to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
However, for many of us this may not be the case. In the UK some individuals may qualify for free vitamin supplements from the NHS.
Save money – use an all-in-one rather than separate vitamin tablets
Many people buy separate vitamin tablets in the belief they may be superior in some way by specialising in one or two vitamin types. This isn’t the case. Doing so can be more expensive and simply unnecessary.
Instead, look for an all-in-one multivitamin. Look for a tablet that contains 100% of recommended daily reference intake, and contains all 13 vitamins. Some inferior multivitamin tablets do not contain vitamin K2 or D3 – so read the label carefully!
Do I qualify for free vitamin supplements in the UK?
The UK government, through the NHS, aims to prevent health issues as well as offer treatments and cures for sick people. One of these initiatives includes offering certain individuals access to free vitamin supplements. To find out if you qualify, check their website here.
What if I don’t qualify for free multivitamins?
Clior Multi-vitamin tablets are an all-in-one supplement, which contains the exact daily dose of all 13 vitamins according to the latest UK/EU reference intake amounts. They contain no iron and are formulated in an odor-free, taste-free, extremely small tablet size – making them one of the easiest and most pleasant tablets to swallow on the market. Each bottle contains 365 tablets – enough for a whole year’s supply. Buy direct from the Clior website for the best price, and free UK shipping. Clior offers a one-year supply of Multivitamin supplements at a very low cost, as we believe everyone should have affordable access to the vitamins to support their health and well-being. Check the latest price here.