For decades, scientists promoted the nutrients and vitamins naturally found in the food we eat. Vitamin D is good for the skin, teeth, and bones. Vitamin A supports eye health. B vitamins boost energy. Iron fights anemia and promotes healthy blood cells. However, more of the food we eat today has little nutritional value. This led to the creation of dietary mineral and vitamin supplements. These supplements help meet the nutrient needs that at times can be difficult to meet through the average person's diet. A further development is multivitamins that give you the daily dose of several vitamins and nutrients in one dose. If you aren't taking vitamins now, here are three big reasons to do so.

Supplement Diet

The most basic reason is to supplement your daily diet. While emphasis on organic based foods and nutrition increase, many foods still don't meet basic nutrient requirements. It's a reason junk food is called junk food. In some cases, drinks and foods like soda, actually leech nutrients from the body. Dietary supplements like multivitamins help cover the gap. At the same time, they are called supplements for a reason. To get their optimal benefit, you should eat as balanced and nutrient reach diet as possible.

Reduce Risk of Illness

While studies debate whether vitamins drastically cut the risk of major illnesses like cancer, studies do show they do reduce the risk of serious illnesses like macular degeneration. Many illnesses are the result of nutrient deficiencies and a daily multivitamin supplement or specially prescribed supplements can help improve or even reverse the conditions. Also, taking vitamins at critical stages in life eases the transition of the body as it ages and undergoes new changes. For example, studies show women going through pregnancy and eventually menopause greatly benefit from multivitamin supplements as they help fight the symptoms of these conditions and prevent complications associated with them. Also, all doctors agree that vitamins and nutrients improve and support the body's overall health. This is a major step in preventing illness as many conditions affect multiple parts of the body.

Extend Long-term Health

As mentioned earlier, doctors often prescribe multivitamins for patients going through life stages like menopause and general aging. The body's needs change over time as a person matures from child to adult. Taking supplements over a lifetime can help prevent illness, reduce allergies, and fight the more harmful effects of aging such as weakened eye sight, osteoporosis, and aging organs like the prostate and heart. In younger people and children vitamins provide nutrients needed for healthy development and growth. Some studies show that children taking vitamins can avoid getting allergies and other chronic conditions.

Boosting The Body's Natural Functions

Vitamins are nutrients for a reason and certain kinds can even boost the functions of the body. The B vitamins can boost energy over a long day and Omega fats improve brain health. However, the best effects are seen where there is an occurring nutrient deficiency. That is why it's important to consult with your doctor or nutritionist to see what nutrients your body needs more of. When you have the right information you should start investing in your health taking multivitamins.

Author's Bio: 

John Wycliffe is a personal fitness trainer. He enjoys researching new ways to improve the health and vitality of his clients. Learn which multivitamins are right for you.