A multivitamin is one of the most commonly talked about supplements that many of us take daily. But, if you’re wondering whether or not you should add a multivitamin alongside your healthy diet, we’re sharing the benefits to whole food vitamins and some signs that it may be worthwhile adding a multivitamin to your current routine.
But first, let’s take a closer look at the benefits of whole food vitamins vs. other synthetic varieties.
Whole food vitamins are just as they sound — they are sourced from whole foods, and even if you eat a whole-food-based diet, there are benefits of taking a whole food multivitamin.
Issues such as soil depletion are causing our foods to not be as nutritious as they once were and a lack of food variety is a huge reason many of us may not be getting all of the vitamins and minerals we need from food alone. (1) This may be due to eating too many processed foods, commonly found in the Standard American Diet, or it may even be true for those who enjoy a healthy diet as well — life is busy, and for many of us, adding in tons of healthy food variety can be a challenge. (2)
Taking a whole food multivitamin alongside a wholesome, nutrient-rich diet serves as good insurance that we are fueling our bodies with the vitamins and minerals it needs.
But, what about the benefits of whole food vitamins vs. other varieties? Here are just some of the reasons to consider a whole-food-based vitamin over synthetic varieties:
In addition to just the general benefits of taking a whole food multivitamin, there may be some other signs that indicate that it may be beneficial to add one to your current routine.
Having brittle nails is often a common sign that you may be lacking biotin (B7). In addition to considering a whole food multivitamin, biotin-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, broccoli, spinach, and egg yolks also make great additions to a healthy and wholesome diet to help support nail strength. (3)
There are many potential causes of dry skin, but low levels of certain vitamins and minerals may also play a role, including zinc and vitamin C, which is key for supporting collagen synthesis. (4) In addition to consuming vitamin C-rich foods like strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and citrus fruits, and foods rich in zinc like pumpkin seeds, eggs, and lentils, a whole foods multivitamin may be a great option.
Another sign that it may be time to consider a whole food multi is thinning hair or hair loss. The body requires a ton of nutrients in order to support hair health, such as zinc, iron, and B vitamins. Not having enough of any of these may lead to hair loss. (5, 6)
If you are experiencing hair loss or thinning hair, take a look at your diet to see if you can increase the number of whole and nutrient-dense foods you consume and swap out processed foods. And, speak with your doctor about the option of adding in a whole food multivitamin to help support the vitamins and minerals the body needs to support hair growth.
While there are many causes of fatigue, one reason may have to do with your body’s vitamin and mineral reserves. This can be especially true if you are dealing with added stress. B-vitamins have been shown to be particularly beneficial when it comes to energy and brain support. (7) Taking a whole food multi that contains B vitamins may help give your body the energy support it needs if you aren’t getting enough B vitamins through diet alone.
Again, there are lots of potential causes of being more prone to illness, but the body needs certain nutrients to help support a robust immune system. These nutrients include vitamins A, D, E, C, as well as vitamins B2, B6, B12, folic acid, zinc, and selenium. A whole foods multivitamin is a great way to help give the body a boost of these important vitamins and minerals.
There are many signs the body may give us that we simply aren’t getting enough of a certain vitamin and mineral. One of the best things we can do to support optimal wellness is to enjoy a diet that’s packed full of nutrient-dense foods. But, if you know that you aren’t eating enough variety, or your body is giving you signs that it may need a little boost, check with your doctor about getting some blood work done as this can be helpful in really seeing where your vitamin and mineral levels are at. And lastly, consider a whole food multivitamin — it makes a great addition to an already healthy routine.
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