Multi vitamin: the magical medicine of the era

Multi vitamins or vitamin complexes are like "common household supplements" that combine various vitamins and minerals in a single pill, which anyone can take regardless of who they are. Although multi vitamins seem ordinary, their story has a long history spanning several hundred years.

The history of multi vitamins dates back to the early 20th century when scientists of that era began discovering various vitamins and understanding their importance to health. In 1910, an English chemist named Frederick Hopkins proved that certain nutrients were essential for growth, which later came to be called "vitamins."

A significant turning point occurred during World War II when many soldiers faced nutrient deficiencies. This prompted the U.S. government to focus on vitamin supplementation in food, such as adding vitamin D to milk.

In 1943, the world's first multi vitamin pill was produced by Miles Laboratories, marking the beginning of the multi vitamin era. After World War II, the popularity of multi vitamins soared. People became more aware of the importance of nutrition and viewed multi vitamins as an easy way to obtain a complete range of nutrients.

Common Multi vitamins typically contain:

• Water-soluble vitamins: Vitamin C and B complex vitamins

• Fat-soluble vitamins: Vitamins A, D, E, and K

• Various minerals: Calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and others

In summary, multi vitamins have a long and interesting history, from scientific discoveries to becoming widely used products worldwide. Multi vitamins continue to be part of modern lifestyle health care. Currently, there are not only Multi vitamins and Minerals but also Phytonutrients or phytochemicals with antioxidant properties derived from colorful fruits and vegetables. However, consulting a doctor or nutrition expert before use remains always important.

Benefits of Multi vitamins:

• Supplement potentially missing nutrients: Help fill nutritional gaps in cases of unbalanced or non-diverse diets

• Prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies: Reduce the risk of certain nutrient deficiencies

• Support the immune system: Various vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and zinc, help strengthen the body's immune system

References

• Hans K Biesalski and Jana Tinz (2017). Multivitamin/mineral supplements: Rationale and safety - A systematic review. Volume 33, Pages 76-82.

• A. Pipingas, D.A. Camfield, C. Stough, K.H.M. Cox, E. Fogg, B. Tiplady, J. Sarris, D.J. White, A. Sali, M.A. Wetherell, A.B. Scholey. (2013) The effects of multivitamin supplementation on mood and general well-being in healthy young adults. A laboratory and at-home mobile phone assessment. Volume 69, Pages 123-136.