7 ingredients to look for in a multivitamin, according to a dietitian
It takes concerted effort to eat for health and performance – and even then, there are always ways to improve your intake of certain nutrients. Whether that means eating more fruits and vegetables, increasing your protein intake, or making an effort to use healthy fats when cooking, it all starts with making sure the food you put into your body is matching your goals. 'You always want to make sure you’re following a diet with a variety of nutrients,' says Toby Amidor, a registered dietitian and Jarrow Formulas brand ambassador based in New York City.
But if you find there are any vitamin or mineral gaps in your regular eating patterns, there are some additional steps you can take. A daily multivitamin, for example, is a great way to give yourself a safety net of nutritional intake. 'This is a way to help yourself fill in some of the gaps in your diet.' Amidor says. 'There are many nutrients we don’t always get through our diet that can have a positive impact on a woman’s health.'
Amidor recommends a range of ingredients to support multiple body functions, from your skin and hair to your digestion and immune health.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin
This powerful pair of antioxidants can help support visual function. 'In addition to playing a part in vision health, lutein and zeaxanthin can help reduce occasional stress by lowering cortisol levels, and supporting brain health and cognition,' Amidor notes. Research has also indicated that the combo may have a beneficial effect on memory and learning.
Zinc, Vitamin D and Vitamin A
Amidor highlights this triumvirate for its ability to help in multiple ways. There’s evidence that adequate zinc and vitamin A may play a role in supporting breast health. Additionally, research has shown that vitamin D may help support normal breast-cell production to promote breast health.
And of course, vitamin D also has long maintained its health-hero status for its role in helping the body build strong bones by improving its absorption of calcium. Zinc also plays a part in increasing bone strength and protecting against bone loss by helping to regulate osteoblastic cells (which grow bone tissue) and osteoclast cells (which break down bone tissue).
Vitamin B
This vitamin, also called cobalamin, is one of those do-it-all nutrients that help facilitate a number of bodily functions, from synthesising DNA to forming red blood cells and improving nerve function. But one of its most important features is the part it plays in cellular energy metabolism – ie, converting food to energy. Because vitamin B12 is often found in animal products, it’s especially important for anyone following a vegetarian or vegan diet to make sure they’re getting enough.
Vegetarian Enzyme Blend
Digestive enzymes help break down the macronutrients protein, fat, and carbohydrates and may improve digestion, which in turn may help manage occasional acid reflux, gas, bloating, and diarrhea, says Amidor.
Amidor recommends Jarrow Formulas® Women’s Multi+™ Multivitamin, which is packed with a range of ingredients to support multiple body functions, from your skin and hair to your digestion and immune health. And Jarrow Formulas is NSF-certified, ensuring that the Women’s Multi+ is produced in a facility that meets industry standards for cleanliness, quality control, and safety.
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