The basic ingredients in Olay multivitamins are essential vitamins and minerals, which play a critical role in normal body processes. In most cases, you can get all the vitamins and minerals you need by eating a healthy, well-balanced diet. However, certain populations---such as pregnant women, people with chronic diseases or those with a poor diet---may benefit from taking a multivitamin such as Olay.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Four vitamins are fat-soluble: vitamins A, D, E and K. They are stored in the body for long periods of time and can be toxic in large doses, according to Colorado State University (CSU). Vitamin A keeps skin healthy, supports immunity, is essential for night vision and protects the body from chronic diseases like cancer. Vitamin D works with calcium to promote strong bones and teeth. Vitamin E prevents chronic diseases by destroying toxins that damage cells and tissues. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting.
Olay multivitamins do not contain vitamin K, but each tablet contains 100 percent of the daily value (%DV) of vitamin A and vitamin D, as well as 167%DV for vitamin E, according to the National Library of Medicine's Dietary Supplements Label Database (DSLD). The American Dietetic Association explains that the %DV is the percent of the daily requirement for a nutrient provided by a food or supplement.
Water-Soluble Vitamins
Nine vitamins are water-soluble: vitamin C and eight B vitamins. They dissolve in water and are not stored in the body, according to CSU. The B vitamins---thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyroxidine (B6), folate (B9), cobalamin (B12) and biotin---are critical for metabolism, the bodily process that converts food into energy. Vitamin C supports wound healing, collagen and tissue formation, hormone production, immunity and healthy bones, teeth and blood vessels. Vitamin C also plays a role in the absorption of many minerals.
According to the DSLD, Olay multivitamins contain 200%DV of vitamin C. They also contain 100%DV of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyroxidine, folate and cobalamin. Biotin is also present at 10%DV.
Minerals
Minerals are organic compounds that are present in plant foods, water and some animal products. According to Medline Plus, minerals help build bones, manufacture hormones and regulate the heart. Essential minerals needed for good health include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, sulfur, iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, chromium, fluoride, molybdenum and selenium.
According to the DSLD, Olay multivitamins contain 25%DV of calcium and magnesium, 100%DV of iron, iodine, zinc, chromium and manganese, 8%DV of phosphorus, 33%DV of molybdenum, 36%DV for selenium, 250%DV of copper and 1%DV of chloride and potassium. Other minerals in Olay multivitamins that do not have an established %DV but are present in trace amounts include nickel, tin, vanadium, silicon and boron.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a substance that is produced by the body and necessary for basic cell functioning, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. CoQ10 has been used to treat diseases like high blood pressure and Alzheimer's but remains controversial as a treatment for medical conditions.
There is no %DV set for CoQ10, but Olay multivitamins contain 2 mg of CoQ10 per tablet, according to DSLD.
References
- American Dietetic Association: What Does the Percent Daily Value Mean on the Food Label?
- Colorado State University: Fat-Soluble Vitamins
- Colorado State University: Water-Soluble Vitamins
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Coenzyme Q10
- U.S. National Library of Medicine - Dietary Supplements Labels Database: Olay Complete Multivitamin
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