Vitamins are essential for a functional body with adequate energy reserves, a strong heart, a properly working immune system, healthy bones, freedom from degenerative disease and a good metabolism, according to the National Institutes for Health. People who engage in rigorous sports, undergo periods of stress, have trouble getting enough nutrients in a healthy diet or begin to grow older might benefit from a vitamin supplement like the specific formulas developed by Centrum for different ages and life stages. Always check with your health care provider before adding supplements to your diet, and remember that a balanced diet is your first choice for meeting nutritional needs.
Bone Health
Centrum multivitamins provide a balance of vitamin D and calcium for bone health. In addition to preventing osteoporosis, calcium is important for healthy teeth, nerves and muscles and lowers risks for hypertension, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, so a supplement that includes both makes the calcium readily available. Calcium can interfere with some medications; check with your doctor before taking a supplement that provides extra calcium if you take prescription medications.
Antioxidants
Centrum vitamins contain vitamin C, selenium and other immune system boosters. Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, zinc, copper, selenium and other nutrients can help neutralize free radicals and lower the risk for cancers and other serious diseases. Mayo Clinic endocrinologist Dr. Donald Hensrud counsels that healthy foods are the best sources for antioxidants and that it is unwise to depend solely on supplements to meet antioxidant needs.
B Vitamins
B vitamins assist in forming red blood cells, support the central nervous system and change carbohydrates to energy. Centrum Performance and Centrum Cardio vitamins contain higher amounts of B vitamins and other nutrients for increased energy production and heart health for active people.
Healthy Eyes
Lutein and vitamins A, C and E all work to keep eyes sharp and prevent or slow macular degeneration and cataracts. Both Women's and Men's Silver Ultra, created for people over age 50, contain lutein and vitamins A, C and E to help combat age-related eye deterioration and disease. The University of Maryland Medical Center says supplements can be an effective way to get the antioxidants that promote healthy vision when those nutrients are not sufficient in a daily diet.
References
- National Institutes of Health: U.S. National Library of Medicine: Vitamins
- Centrum: Our Products
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Calcium
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin C
- Mayo Clinic; Medical Edge Newspaper Column: Food Sources the Best Choice for Antioxidants; Donald Hensrud M.D.; June 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cataracts
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