The 13 known essential vitamins help the body grow and develop, according to Medline Plus. Most people may be able to meet their vitamin needs through diet, but a vitamin supplement acts as an insurance policy, says the Harvard School of Public Health. Vitamins come in different forms, including pill, chewable and liquid. Some people may prefer liquid vitamins over those in pill form.
Significance
People with nutrient poor diets may need a liquid vitamin to treat or prevent low vitamin intakes, according to Drugs.com. In addition, doctors may recommend a liquid vitamin supplement for people with increased or altered vitamin needs.
Function
The liquid vitamin is an inexpensive health insurance policy, says the Harvard School of Public Health. It insures the body is getting all the necessary nutrients to stay healthy. The Harvard School of Public Health recommends that all people take a daily multivitamin and an additional vitamin D supplement. Antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin A, E and C, protect the body against oxygenation and free radical damage, and B vitamins help to process food into energy, according to Medline Plus.
Types
Liquid vitamins can be used by both children and adults. Infant liquid vitamins include a multivitamin, iron and vitamin D supplement. Infant liquid vitamins can only be obtained through a pediatrician's prescription, according to the Family Education website. Liquid vitamins for adults and children are available over-the-counter. Over-the-counter liquid vitamins include multivitamins for both children and adults, vitamin C, B-complex, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12 and vitamin E, according to the evitamins website.
Benefits
People with difficulties swallowing pills benefit from taking a liquid vitamin, according to Women's Health website. Liquid vitamins may also get into the system better, says Dr. Andrew Weil, a doctor of alternative medicine and vitamin adviser.
Considerations
Liquid vitamins may be an alternative supplement for people who do not like to take pills, but liquid vitamins may not absorb as well as vitamins in tablet form, according to Women's Health. When the liquid vitamin gets into the stomach, the stomach acids destroy some of the nutrients. In addition, some vitamins, such as vitamin C, lose potency when exposed to air. Liquid vitamins also tend to be more expensive than vitamins in pill form, says Dr. Weil.
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