An A-Z vitamin, also known as a multivitamin, helps to supplement the diet with the vitamins necessary for good health. Many adults might not be meeting the recommended daily amounts of vitamins, and an A-Z vitamin can help fill in any gaps. Dr. Andrew Weil from the University of Arizona at Tucson advises that a daily A-Z vitamin, in addition to other dietary supplements, might help ensure adequate daily intake. Weil recommends considering a multivitamin without iron -- unless an iron deficiency is present -- because too much supplemental iron might lead to nausea. Check vitamin labels or speak to a pharmacist to determine the amount of vitamins contained in a dietary supplement.
Before beginning to take any vitamin or dietary supplement, it's always a good idea to first consult your doctor.
Healthy Bones
According to Weil, vitamin D -- which helps the body absorb calcium for strong, healthy bones -- is lacking in the diets of many, despite a well-balanced intake. Weil hypothesizes that a large portion of the population lacks adequate exposure to sunlight, necessary to activate vitamin D in the body. The doctor recommends a daily intake of 400 to 1,000 IU of vitamin D, in addition to an A-Z supplement, to help promote blood levels that can sustain good bone health.
Cancer
In addition to vitamin D, Weil also notes that vitamin E might be lacking in even the most complete of dietary intakes. This antioxidant vitamin helps protect against the development of cancer and heart disease. For maximum benefits, Weil recommends a daily supplement of 800 IU of vitamin E in addition to a daily A-Z vitamin.
Cataracts
Cataracts, or clouding of the natural lens of the eye, can be prevented through an adequate daily intake of mixed carotenes such as vitamin A and lycopene. Weil recommends daily supplementation of 15,000 IU of plant-derived mixed carotene. The doctor recommends against animal-based carotene supplements to prevent exceeding the daily upper limits of the vitamin.
Birth Defects
Women of child-bearing age should have a daily intake of the B vitamin folic acid to help ensure the neural tube health of infants. The Office on Women's Health recommends a daily intake of 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid every day. If daily needs are not being met through enriched breads, breakfast cereals and pastas, or green leafy vegetables, citrus or legumes, a dietary supplement is recommended.
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