The human body functions properly only when there is an adequate intake of vitamins. There are 13 important vitamins which play an essential role in the health of the body. These are vitamins A, D, E, C, K, B12 and the B complex vitamins which consist of 7 vitamins. Most of the vitamin requirement of the body is derived from the food we consume. If there is a deficiency of a certain vitamin, the body is in danger of falling prey to various illnesses. Intake of vitamin supplements can significantly reverse the ill effects and symptoms of vitamin deficiencies. Most individuals today take multivitamins. But are multivitamins necessary for good health?

The main benefit of a multivitamin supplement is that it prevents vitamin deficiency. A change in dietary needs may also occur for some individuals. For example, pregnant mothers are usually prescribed multivitamins during the first trimester of pregnancy so that adequate nutrition is received by their bodies. This nutrition is then passed on to the developing baby. Taking a multivitamin daily reduces the risk of malnutrition. The pace of life is also increasing considerably today and most individuals undergo a great deal of stress in trying to accomplish so much in so little time. Multivitamins helps to prevent stress and also boost energy. Other health benefits of multivitamins include their ability to protect the body from cancer and heart disease. Many individuals report an improvement in health and general well being due to a regular intake of multivitamins. This can be attributed to the combined benefits of the supplements that compose a multivitamin. Vitamin E, a fat soluble antioxidant, helps to neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals and also aids in the maintenance of healthy skin. Vitamin C helps in combating infection of blood cells and is essential for wound healing and proper development of the bone and teeth. Therefore each vitamin carries its own health benefits which when combined together serves to provide an all-round protection for the body.

While multivitamins are beneficial for the benefits that they provide, this is not a magic cure for everything. Many a time, individuals attempt to cure various illnesses by taking multivitamins. This can prove to be detrimental as some health problems require special medical examination and treatment. Many people also use multivitamins to replace a healthy diet and regular exercise. The quality of multivitamins also differs among various manufacturers and brands and it is important to only buy high quality supplements.