One-A-Day vitamins are commercial multivitamins. They come in many varieties to meet the needs of different age groups, genders and people with existing medical conditions. Multivitamins can benefit health, especially in the absence of a healthful diet, because vitamins and minerals are essential for normal growth, development and body processes.
Water-Soluble Vitamins
All One-A-Day vitamins contain water-soluble vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body and need to be replenished on a regular basis through diet or vitamin supplements. Water soluble-vitamins include vitamin C and the B vitamins. The B vitamins are thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyroxidine (B6), biotin (B7), folic acid (B9) and cobalamin (B12).
According to Medline Plus vitamin C is an antioxidant. Antioxidants protect the body from harmful substances that damage cells and tissues and contribute to diseases like cancer and heart disease. Vitamin C also supports healthy bones and skin, promotes healing and immunity and helps the body absorb iron. B vitamins are essential for proper metabolism, the process that the body uses to convert food into energy. B vitamins are also involved in red blood cell formation and are essential for the proper development of infants.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E and K. Most One-A-Day vitamins contain all of the fat-soluble vitamins; however, some leave out vitamin K, such as the One-A Day Women's Prenatal and the One-A-Day Cholesterol Plus vitamins.
Vitamins A and E are powerful antioxidants. According to Medline Plus, vitamin A is also essential for vision, bone growth, reproduction, a healthy immune system and cell function. Vitamin D works with calcium to form strong bones and has a role in muscle, nerve and immune system functions. Vitamin K is important for blood clotting and producing proteins that strengthen bones and tissues.
Colorado State University warns that fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body for long periods of time and can be toxic when taken in large quantities. One-A-Day vitamins should not be combined with other multivitamin or fat-soluble vitamin supplements to prevent vitamin toxicity.
Minerals
Medline Plus says there are two types of minerals---macrominerals and trace minerals. Macrominerals are needed in large amounts and include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride and sulfur. Trace minerals such as iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride and selenium are only needed in small amounts. Minerals have many different functions and are important for building strong bones, manufacturing hormones and regulating the heart. The mineral content of One-A-Day vitamins changes depending on the variety.
Other Ingredients
Some varieties of One-A-Day vitamins contain chemicals and herbs such as lycopene, ginko biloba, isoflavones, guarana, caffeine, phytosterols and inositol. They also might contain nonessential minerals like nickel, silicon, boron, vanadium, choline and tin. These additional ingredients might benefit health but many, especially the herbs, are still being researched for their safety and efficacy.
According to the Mayo Clinic, most individuals who eat a healthy diet that includes a variety of foods do not need to take vitamin supplements. When in doubt, individuals should consult a physician to discuss whether a multivitamin like One-A-Day is necessary.
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