Are Multivitamin Supplements Really Necessary?

 By Chris Kennelly
The issue of whether multivitamin supplements are really necessary are not remains an ongoing debate amongst various interested stakeholders. Some views state that these products are in fact over promoted and encourage bad habits, or at the very least excuses to not eat correctly. Let's have a look at some of the issues surrounding these supplemental products.
Understanding exactly what multivitamin supplements are one has to look at the constituted 'ingredients' as described upon the label of the product in question. Health companies have in turn formulated specific products for the various demographics, increasing certain parts of the supplementation ingredients within different age groups and even genders. One will surely encounter a variety of these types of products that are said to be more suited to a specific type of lifestyle, age-group and so forth.
Speaking of labels, one would in all likelihood find the listed vitamins, nutrients and minerals that are contained within the respective product, together with what is termed as an RDA or RDA percentage. This RDA refers to recommended daily allowance of the specific vitamin, nutrient or mineral in question. Anything that is over the 100% mark is for the lack of a better description a waste, as these will basically pass through the body without adding any additional benefits as they are not required within the daily requirements as specified. Although in all fairness it should be mentioned that in order to create certain multivitamin supplements there will be an excess of one or two of the various vitamins, nutrients or minerals that are provided within the specific product in question.
One of the key arguments in favour of multivitamin supplements is based upon the premise that the current foods that we eat are in fact lacking in nutrients, largely due to the fact that they undergo excessive processing. Alternatively a look at the lifestyles we have grown accustomed to, within which meals are obtained from fast food outlets and related sources can certainly serve as a motivation within the fact that our current dietary intake is lacking. To challenge this one really has to consider a more balanced diet or dietary intake, as is recommended within their proper or healthy diet which incorporates fruits, vegetables and a good balance in proteins, fatty acids and the like. The main problem here is that the mentioned lifestyles we lead may not afford us the opportunity to properly plan and consume such a well balanced diet. And hence the case of multivitamin supplements is supported, which implies that it is really up to us to make the effort.
Multivitamin supplements should be viewed as a partner within a balanced diet, and which can pick up any areas that might be lacking in terms of providing our bodies with the required vitamins, minerals and nutrients. These should however not be used as an excuse for not eating properly or to avoid the proper intake of the right foods and ultimately nutrients required.

The Ultimate Health Kick: Organic Prenatal Vitamins

 By Kate Bowden
When it comes to pregnancy, the number one concern in terms of day-to-day life is nutrition. After all, even the healthiest of pregnant women sometimes get cravings for items that might not present the needed elements to promote healthy growth during the period of pregnancy. Even a couple of days without eating properly can impact the kind of nutrients being absorbed, so it is crucial for those pregnant women who aren't feeling as though they have regular diets to seek out other methods that can lead to the right nourishment without needing to depend on physically consuming various foodstuffs.
For most health-conscious moms-to-be, this means going ahead and choosing some kind of vitamin or supplement to help remove the burden of nutrients exclusively from one's diet. As far as those who are serious about always sticking to a particular kind of dieting regiment, Organic Prenatal Vitamins are often the most popular option. And it really does make sense. After all, the reasoning goes, if one is going to be consuming organic food items in life in general, then why switch to something that might include artificial flavors and colors just because of one's pregnancy? It makes a lot more sense to stick to one's particular guns about eating and nutrients, and with so many different Organic Prenatal Vitamins to choose from, figuring out the proper nutritional regiment for oneself does not require countless consultation with a doctor; it just requires doing a bit of reading and talking to sources to ensure that the vitamins and supplements being chosen will actually get the job done quickly and efficiently.
In terms of the proper diet, aside from just the consumption of extra supplements, one's food choices should be rich in nutrients and filled with vitamins to keep levels maintained day to day. This is why it makes sense to go ahead and consider the various supplements and vitamin that are out there, because it is tough to tell whether or not the foods being craved will be the ones packed with nutrients or not. And the nutrients that should be contained in one's Organic Prenatal Vitamins do not vary, so it's easy to remember which they are and to look for them listed on various bottles. This way, moms-to-be can rest assured they are getting exactly what is necessary to promote the healthy growth desired.
Expectant mothers should make sure that on a daily basis, they are absorbing a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, including high amounts of folic acid and vitamin A. Other crucial elements that promote healthy growth include thiamine, vitamin C, vitamin D, and calcium. Typical multivitamins might be packed with all of these and other crucial vitamins and minerals like zinc and iron, but the fact is that it makes more sense to go with Organic Prenatal Vitamins that have that proper balance that increases folic acid to the level that is necessary while also integrating iron and calcium.
And at the same time that one opts for vitamins, it's also worthwhile to consider the various different food items that provide some of the same vitamins and minerals, that are on the safe list to eat, and that can be found in organic forms. whether it's kidney beans, pumpkin, broccoli, or dried berries that one thinks sound delicious, these are all food items rich in iron that will provide a more traditional method of absorption on top of any supplements being used. The same can be done for other vitamins, too, but be sure to not completely overload your body with too much of what is required, as that is often not helpful, either.