Why take vitamin supplements?
Vitamins and minerals are needed by the body to survive, grow and function properly. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains should provide the vitamins and minerals you need. However, taking supplements would help those of us who aren't always eating healthy meals. These multivitamin & mineral tablets are designed to fill the gaps in your diet. 
 
Potential benefits of taking vitamin & mineral supplements include:
1. Maintaining organ and vision health. Vitamin A is important for vision, immune function, and also helps with maintaining the health of your heart, lungs, kidneys and other organs.
2. Maintaining strong bones. Multivitamins can help you get enough Calcium and Vitamin D, which work to keep your bones strong and to ward off osteoorosis (thinning of the bones). Calcium builds bones and Vitamin D helps your bones to absorb the Calcium. Calcium needs are especially high for teenagers, women over the age of 50, and men over the age of 70.
3. Supporting the immune system. Getting enough vitamins and minerals (Vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E, K, folate, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, selenium, and zinc) help your immune system to function properly to fight off infections and other health problems.
 
People groups who are more likely to benefit from the nutritional boost of multivitamins:
1. People on a limited diet. If you can't eat a wide variety of healthy foods, have a poor appetite or choose not to eat from some food groups, multivitamins & minerals might help fill the nutritional gap.
2. People over the age of 50. Older adults have more trouble absorbing Vitamin B12 from food, which helps form red blood cells, support brain and nerve function and makes DNA. VItamin supplements can help older adults get enough of this vitamin. 
3. Postmenopausal women. Extra Calcium and Vitamin D strengthens bones and prevents osteoporosis. 
4. People with digestive problems. These are conditions which interfere with digestion that can prevent the body absorbing enough nutrients. These can include: Celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, cystic fibrosis, lactose intolerance, chronic pancreatitis, whipple disease, parasites, frequent diarrhea or vomiting, gastric bypass surgery & alcoholism.
5. People taking medication. Certain prescription drugs deplete the body of important minerals like Magnesium, Calcium and Potassium. 
 
Potential side effects of taking multivitamins & minerals supplements:
1. For most people, there isn't much risk associated with taking these supplements.
2. Combining multivitamins with other supplements, or medications could cause complications. For example, Vitamin K can decrease the effectiveness of blood thinning medication. 
3. Smokers and possible former smokers should avoid supplements with high levels of Beta-Carotene or Vitamin A, as these have been linked with an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers. 
4. In men and postmenopausal women, iron can accumulate in the body and cause organ damage. Iron can also be gained from foods like chicken, red meat, dark leafy greens and fortified-grains.
5. High levels of Vitamin D might lead to an increased risk of developing kidney stones. Studies suggest no increased risk for people to take up to 1,000IU a day.
6. High doses of Vitamin B6 can cause serious nerve damage.