Food is a major source of our nutrition, providing a rich array of essential vitamins and minerals. Therefore, consuming a diverse range of foods can help achieve optimal health. However, despite eating healthy food, nutritional deficiencies can sometimes sneak up on us.
Consider this: more than two billion individuals are deficient in essential minerals and vitamins, and approximately twenty-four percent of the world's population suffers from anemia. What’s behind these numbers? Modern agricultural practices and excessive food processing have stripped nutrients from our food, leading to nutritional deficiencies that result in various health issues.
Fortunately, dietary supplements, such as Activit, can help fill these nutritional gaps. The key is to choose high-quality, safe supplements that align with your unique health needs.
What Are Vitamins
A supplement is an addition to the diet to ensure a healthy supply of nutrients to the body. It may contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbal extracts, enzymes, and other ingredients.
Vitamins are organic substances that help our body function properly and stay healthy. These micronutrients are further divided into water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins.
i. Water-soluble vitamins, including B complex and C, dissolve in water and are carried to the tissues but not stored in our bodies.
ii. Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, dissolve in fat and can be stored in adipose tissues and the liver, except for vitamin K.
Minerals are inorganic elements essential for the proper functioning of our bones, muscles, heart, and brain. They are also crucial for synthesizing hormones and enzymes.
Activit – one of the best multivitamins in Pakistan – effectively combines all essential nutrients and supports comprehensive nutrition for a healthy lifestyle. Formulated with twenty-four natural ingredients, Activit delivers vitamins and minerals in their most bioactive and bioavailable forms, ensuring maximum absorption in your body.
Supplements are commonly available in several forms, including:
1. Pills and capsules
2. Liquids
3. Gummies
4. Powders
Powders and liquids are absorbed more quickly by the body than pills, capsules, and gummies. Gummies are often preferred for their palatability and pleasant taste, while pills and capsules are more stable and easier to swallow.
Top Benefits of Taking Multivitamins and Mineral Supplements Daily
Supplements are not magic pills, but they can be incredibly beneficial. If you’re not getting enough nutrients from food alone, which is common even with a healthy diet, incorporating high-quality supplements can make a real difference. In such cases, selecting the best multivitamin in Pakistan helps fill nutritional gaps, prevent chronic diseases, and enhance bodily functions.
You may not notice the effects overnight, but over time, multivitamins can benefit several important aspects of your health.
Let’s explore the major health benefits of vitamins and mineral supplements!
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Immune Function
Measuring the impact of vitamins and minerals on immunity is challenging because the immune system is complex.
However, many studies suggest that nutrients can enhance the immune system. A review, for instance, concluded that vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, D, E, selenium, and zinc, are essential for normal immune function.
A deficiency of these nutrients can weaken the immune system.
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Energy Production
One of the most important functions that vitamins and minerals play in our body is releasing energy from food.
B vitamins, for example, play a crucial role in energy production and assist the body in releasing energy from food. Minerals such as iron and magnesium transport oxygen to the enzymes necessary for metabolism.
Together, these nutrients maintain efficient energy metabolism.
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Brain Function
A recent clinical trial found that a daily multivitamin intake may improve memory in older adults.
A study also supports this fact and concludes that vitamins B, C, D, and E contribute to brain health and support neurotransmitters. Not only vitamins but also minerals like magnesium, iron, selenium, zinc, and copper protect against cognitive decline.
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Eye Health
Age-related muscular degeneration is a common cause of permanent blindness globally. Adding vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals to the daily diet can improve vision and support overall eye health.
Several reports highlight the benefits of vitamin C, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and coenzyme Q10 for eye health. Vitamin A is another crucial nutrient for maintaining good vision. Activit contains vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, which is highly bioavailable and supports eye health.
Research has also revealed that multivitamins can reduce the risk of cataracts, another common eye disease.
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Bones and Joints
Most supplements include calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium as primary ingredients.
Calcium is important for bone density, vitamin D helps in calcium absorption, and magnesium supports bone structure.
Collectively, these minerals and vitamins promote overall bone and joint health.
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Lungs Health
Many studies suggest that supplements also impact lung health and the breathing system.
For example, vitamins D, E, C, and folate help prevent respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
Vitamin B12 deficiency, in particular, can cause a lack of red blood cells, leading to anemia and shortness of breath. Thus, vitamin B12 helps the body produce healthy red blood cells.
Supplements: Who Needs Them and Why
Nutritional needs vary depending on age, gender, genetics, and health conditions.
Our nutritional requirements change as we age. Older adults often need calcium and vitamin D to support bone health.
Individuals with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and HIV/AIDS may need more vitamins and minerals. Pregnant women, in particular, need a diet rich in folic acid and iron to promote fetal development and maternal health.
Another important term to understand is targeted nutrition. Many individuals with certain medical conditions and nutritional deficiencies may benefit from a personalized approach known as targeted nutrition.
For example, fitness enthusiasts and athletes need precise levels of vitamins and minerals to support their physical performance. Those following a vegan diet are advised to take vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Thus, our daily diet may not fulfill these specific nutritional needs. As a result, healthcare providers may recommend supplements.
However, selecting the best multivitamins in Pakistan requires considering several critical aspects. Be mindful of the following key considerations.
Choosing the Best Multivitamins in Pakistan: Guidelines for Safe Supplementation
Adding a high-quality supplement to your routine requires a complete analysis of whether a multivitamin suits your nutritional needs. Healthcare providers usually suggest supplements based on your specific body needs.
Ingredients and Dosage
Supplements come with a Supplement Fact Label that provides information about active ingredients, allergens, dosages, and other ingredient details.
You must identify whether a supplement contains all the essential minerals and vitamins your body needs in the proper dosage. The best multivitamin tablets in Pakistan typically include a well-balanced mix of nutrients to support daily health needs.
To function properly, your bodies require vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, D, E, and K. Along with vitamins, we also need essential minerals, including zinc, iron, magnesium, selenium, potassium, and iodine.
However, more is not always better. Taking excessive amounts of certain vitamins can be harmful. For instance, smokers should avoid high doses of beta-carotene, as it may increase the risk of lung cancer. Similarly, several studies show that high intake of vitamin A in the form of retinol during pregnancy can lead to birth defects.
Regulations on Supplements
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve supplements.
Instead, supplements are regulated under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA).
Under these regulations, manufacturers are responsible for ensuring product safety. They follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards to ensure high-quality supplements.
To address the gap left by the FDA and DSHEA, many organizations seek third-party certifications to prove the supplements’ quality and safety.
For instance, the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) play crucial roles in ensuring supplement ingredient safety and purity.
Several brands, including Activit, ensure transparency by clearly stating that their ingredients are certified by reputable bodies such as USP and JECFA. These certifications add a layer of trust, guaranteeing that the product you consume meets the highest standards of quality and safety.
The Banned Substances Control Group (BSCG) certifies the supplement samples for the absence of banned substances.
NSF International is another independent organization that issues certificates that are helpful for athletes when choosing supplements. This certification ensures that the product does not contain any substances prohibited by sports organizations.
Bioavailability of Ingredients
Vitamins come in various forms, and their bioavailability — the degree to which they are absorbed and utilized by the body — can significantly influence their effectiveness. Consuming bioavailable vitamins can enhance absorption and maximize their benefits.
For instance, liposomal vitamin C has been shown to offer superior absorption compared to standard ascorbic acid. Similarly, alpha-tocopherol, a form of vitamin E, is well-absorbed and commonly used in high-quality formulations. Importantly, many of these highly bioavailable forms can be derived from plant-based sources.
Activit contains plant-based, halal-certified ingredients that provide optimal nutrition without compromising ethical or dietary values. As one of the best multivitamins in Pakistan, Activit delivers bioactive and bioavailable forms of nutrients for better absorption, supporting your health naturally and safely.
Additives and Allergens
Many individuals easily assume that a supplement is safe based on how it is advertised. However, it is crucial to understand that not every supplement meets high-quality and safety standards. Even if a healthcare provider recommends it, you should read the ingredient label. Why?
Supplements may contain additives, fillers, binders, colors, sweeteners, or preservatives to maintain texture, taste, and consistency. Silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, vegetable gum, cellulose, citric acid, and maltodextrin are the most common additives found in supplements.
Fish, shellfish, dairy, and meat are common allergens found in supplements, as declared by the FDA under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA).
When choosing the best multivitamin in Pakistan, consider one that is free from allergens and additives.
Regulations in Pakistan: The Role of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP)
In Pakistan, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) oversees the safety, quality, and licensing of dietary supplements. Like the FDA in the U.S., DRAP does not approve supplements before they reach the market, but it does regulate their manufacturing, labeling, and marketing under established health and safety standards.
Reputable brands like Activit comply with DRAP licensing requirements, enhancing consumer trust and credibility in the Pakistani supplement market.
For Pakistani consumers, choosing DRAP-licensed supplements is important to avoid substandard or harmful products. Choosing the best supplement brands that also meet international standards, such as USP and GMP, ensures you're putting a high-quality, safe product into your body.
Possible Side Effects of Supplements
Supplements can cause side effects, depending on the individual’s health condition, specific formulation, and possible interactions with medications.
Vitamin supplements can interfere with other medications and disrupt the balance carefully maintained by your doctor. They can also cause adverse effects when combined with food, alcohol, or other supplements.
Not just this. Supplements can sometimes cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, frequent urination, stomach bleeding, tooth staining, and more.
To prevent potential side effects, it is crucial to follow the recommended dosages and consult a physician before starting a new supplement regimen. This is especially important when choosing the best multivitamin for women or the best multivitamin for men, as different formulations are designed to meet different nutritional needs and health profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vitamins and Supplements
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How do I find the right vitamin for me?
Finding the right vitamin depends on your age, gender, lifestyle, and health needs. While a balanced diet should be your primary focus, vitamin supplements can be beneficial if you are experiencing fatigue, poor immunity, and hormonal imbalance. However, it is crucial to consult a nutritionist or a doctor who can recommend specific vitamin tablets based on your health needs.
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Which multivitamin is best in Pakistan?
The best multivitamin tablets in Pakistan are those manufactured under GMP standards, regulated by DRAP (Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan), and backed by scientific formulations. Whether you are looking for the best vitamin for men, the best vitamin for women, or age-specific support, choose a supplement free from unnecessary fillers, binders, colorants, and other additives. Locally trusted and internationally certified options, such as Activit, offer both quality and safety, complying with DRAP regulations and global standards.
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How can I check my own vitamin levels?
There are some home testing kits available for certain vitamins, such as vitamin D and B12. These kits allow you to collect a small blood sample using a finger prick, add it to a test cassette or collection card, and either compare results visually (for vitamin D) or send the sample to a lab for analysis (for vitamin B12).
Alternatively, you can also check your vitamin levels by getting a vitamin profile blood test at most diagnostic labs.
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Can I take multivitamins with milk or tea?
Yes, most vitamin tablets can be taken with milk, particularly fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), which absorb better with dietary fat. However, the calcium in milk can slightly interfere with the absorption of certain minerals, such as zinc and iron. Tea, whether black or green, contains tannins that can interfere with mineral absorption, so it is best to take multivitamins with water.
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Can vitamins make you gain weight?
Vitamins do not contain calories; therefore, they cannot cause weight gain. However, if you are underweight due to a deficiency, supplementing with the best vitamin supplements may improve your appetite and energy levels, which could result in healthy weight gain.
The Bottom Line
A balanced diet is the best way to meet your dietary needs. However, supplementation becomes necessary in certain conditions, such as during pregnancy, illness recovery, lactation, or when dietary restrictions limit nutrient intake.
The FDA does not regulate supplements as strictly as medications, so it is crucial to check their ingredients, labels, and third-party testing status to ensure you are getting a high-quality product.
References:
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https://www.bbc.com/future/bespoke/follow-the-food/the-hidden-hunger-affecting-billions/
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https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/ImmuneFunction-HealthProfessional/
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https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/nutrition/vitamins-and-minerals
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https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-food-labeling-and-critical-foods/food-allergies
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