5 Reasons Why You Might Want to Take a Multivitamin.

People who lead a healthy lifestyle and eat a balanced diet don't require vitamin supplements. However, the NHS recommends specific supplements for people with a deficiency. Here are five  reasons for taking a multivitamin.

1.   If you are in your child-bearing years attempting to get pregnant, take four hundred micrograms of folic acid daily before getting pregnant. Start taking them once you stop using contraception and if you already suspect pregnancy.

    Pregnancy. Once you confirm a positive test result, continue taking folic acid daily until your 12th week. Doing so prevents spina bifida and other neural tube defects in babies; thus, be vigilant and take this supplement daily.

3.    Supplement with Vitamin D during autumn and winter. We get Vitamin D from eating a balanced diet. Our body also makes Vitamin D when our skin is exposed to the sun. Thus, it's called the "sunshine vitamin." However, during months when there’s little to no sun, it can be hard to obtain the body's daily requirement of Vitamin D. Therefore, supplementing with ten micrograms of Vitamin D is advisable for everyone, especially pregnant and breastfeeding moms. Here's a quick guide according to age.

·         Breastfed babies must receive 8.5 to 10 micrograms of Vitamin D daily from birth, regardless if the mom is already taking the supplement.

·         Formula-fed babies who consume not less than half a litre of formula don't need to supplement, as infant formula is already fortified.

·         Children aged one to four should take ten micrograms of vitamin D daily.

·   Frail, housebound or bedridden individuals must also take ten micrograms of vitamin D daily. Solgar supplements in the UK are a trusted brand worth every penny.

4.    Children from six months to 5 years old should supplement with vitamins A, C and D daily for proper growth and to boost immunity.

5.    The elderly may also need a daily vitamin supplement as nutrient absorption declines with age.

The NHS warns against taking supplements unnecessarily and for long periods, as this could harm your health. Therefore, before taking any vitamin supplements, it would be best to seek proper medical advice from your doctor.