The Benefits of Starting a Multivitamin This Fall

The Benefits of Starting a Multivitamin This Fall

Multivitamins are one of the most widely used supplements, and for good reason. They’re designed to help support your overall wellness and complement your healthy diet, ensuring your body gets what it needs to function optimally through the seasons. With the colder seasons rapidly approaching, you might be in the market for a multivitamin that fits your goals and preferences. 

Seasonal Nutritional Gaps

As the seasons change, often so do our dietary habits and food preferences, which may potentially lead to nutritional gaps, especially as the year comes to a close. With the onset of cooler weather, many people shift away from fresh produce that’s often abundant in the summer. For some, this might lead to a lower overall intake of key nutrients.

Vitamin D, partially obtained from sunlight, becomes harder to absorb as days grow shorter and cloudier in many places. Similarly, the immune-boosting properties of vitamin C from fruits and vegetables may dwindle as seasonal produce becomes less diverse. 

Sometimes adding a multivitamin can help fill certain nutritional gaps during these seasons of less dietary diversity. 

Immune Health Support

As the temperatures drop and cold and flu season approaches, supporting our immune system becomes top of mind. 

Our bodies require plenty of vitamins and minerals to function optimally, particularly during this time of year. For example, vitamins A, C, and D, along with minerals like zinc, play a role in supporting a normal immune response. 

If you don’t think you’re getting a variety of vitamins and minerals from your diet, adding a multivitamin may be helpful. 

Mood and Energy

As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, many people experience changes in mood and energy levels, partly influenced by reduced sunlight. 

During the fall, the body's production of serotonin, a brain chemical that helps regulate mood, can decline, leading to feelings of sadness or lethargy. This is where the right nutrients can make a significant difference. 

B vitamins, particularly B6, B12, and folate, are essential for maintaining energy levels and supporting healthy mood. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fatty fish and flax seeds, have been shown to support mood and brain health. 

A multivitamin that includes these key nutrients can provide a convenient way to support both energy levels and emotional well-being during the fall. 

Choosing the Right Multivitamin for You

Choosing the right multivitamin can look different for everyone. Start by considering your personal needs based on factors such as age, gender, and lifestyle, including your diet pattern.

For instance, women of childbearing age may require a multivitamin with higher iron content, while older adults might benefit from one with increased vitamin D and calcium to support bone health. 

It may also be important for you to look for high-quality ingredients and avoid those with unnecessary fillers or artificial additives. 

Pay attention to the nutrient forms, too. For example, methylcobalamin is a better-absorbed form of vitamin B12 than cyanocobalamin. 

Additionally, consider any dietary restrictions you may have, such as being vegetarian or gluten-free, to ensure the multivitamin aligns with your lifestyle. 

It’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider when considering adding a new supplement to your routine. A registered dietitian can provide personalized recommendations, help you identify specific nutrients you may need, and even give advice regarding multivitamins. 


Ready to snag a multivitamin fit for your needs this fall? Try one of our whole food multivitamin options.


Sources

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  7. Paul C, Brady DM. Comparative Bioavailability and Utilization of Particular Forms of B12 Supplements With Potential to Mitigate B12-related Genetic Polymorphisms. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2017;16(1):42-49.

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