Vital Vitamins

Vitamins are essential nutrients that your body needs in small amounts to work properly.

A healthy, varied diet will provide most people with all the vitamins they require.  There may however be certain times in life when a multivitamin supplement may be of benefit; for example:

  • Women who are planning to become pregnant and women in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy should take a folic acid supplement of 400 micrograms per day. This is to prevent neural tube defects in the baby (e.g. spina bifida). A higher dose of folic acid is required for women who have certain medical conditions or where there is a history of neural tube defects.  Your GP can advise on this.
  • Those at risk of osteoporosis e.g. elderly with poor dairy intake or little time outside in the sun etc, may need a calcium and vitamin D supplement.
  • A vitamin D supplement (10 micrograms) is recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Strict vegans may require a vitamin B12 supplement

If you feel you need extra vitamins or minerals you should speak to your doctor first. Some supplements can have unpleasant side effects if taken in larger than recommended quantities.  Do not exceed the recomended amounts.

Remember if you do not have any special conditions, it is better to get your vitamins and minerals by eating a wide variety of foods from the four main food groups.