Top 10 Multivitamins in the Philippines 2021 (Centrum, Enervon Activ, and More)

Multivitamins are supplements that contain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients formulated to provide you 100% of the daily recommended intake of vitamins not found in your diet. This is applicable if you are at risk of malnutrition or have a poor diet due to lifestyle.

Older adults would benefit from it due to their weakened immune system, which makes them more susceptible to disease. In times like today, you can never be too careful. Same for those on low-calorie or weight-loss diets, vegetarians, and vegans, as some nutrients and minerals are only found in animals.

Pregnant, breastfeeding women, and women trying to conceive also need higher levels of vitamins as they are feeding for two now. Lastly, people with conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and other chronic conditions that would prevent them from regularly absorbing nutrients would benefit from multivitamins. 

They say the more the merrier, but that’s not to say you should buy vitamins loaded with a long list of names that you can’t pronounce. Keep some of these in mind before clicking “add to cart”. 

Your supplements can come in different forms, and it is really a matter of preference as to what type you would want it to take. Tablets and capsules are the most common forms, and they have a more stable shelf life than liquids or gummy vitamins. These also contain more concentrated doses of active ingredients. 

Chewable tablets and gummies are easy and pleasant to consume. These are best for those who have a hard time swallowing tablets or capsules. However, these do not contain as many nutrients to make room for sugar that masks the taste of medicine. 

Powders that must be dissolved in liquid are also ideal for those who have difficulty consuming whole tablets. It is a good medium for collagen and protein. It could contain large doses of active ingredients but must be added with other ingredients to prevent clumping.

Softgels are best for oil or liquid-based supplements. Each softgel capsule is encased in a gelatine layer that some people find easier to swallow. It also contains fewer filler ingredients than tablets or capsules, but it must be carefully stored as it could melt and stick together due to hot weather. 

Not all multivitamins are made equal. Some could contain as much as 10 vitamins and 10 minerals, even more. However, not all could contain them. Here are some of the essential nutrients your supplements should contain. 

Vitamin C is essential for your body’s overall health. Also known as ascorbic acid, it is needed to grow and repair tissues in your body. It has been known to treat common colds and prevent further complications. Studies have shown it can shorten a wound’s healing time.

Most people take vitamin C to boost immunity as this nutrient is involved in various parts of the body’s immune system. It aids in the production of white blood cells that protects the body against infection and is a vital antioxidant that blocks cells from the damage done by free radicals. 

B complex is comprised of 8 B vitamins; B-1 Thiamine, B-2 Riboflavin, B-3 Niacin, B-5 Pantothenic Acid, B-6 Pyridoxine, B-7 Biotin, B-9 Folic Acid, and B-12 Cobalamin. It helps prevent infection and promote and support your body’s function. It also helps the body to unlock energy from food and utilize them. 

B-1 is involved in electrolyte flow. B-2 keeps skin, eyes, and nervous system healthy, and helps your body release energy from food. B-3 helps boost brain and skin function and reduce symptoms of arthritis. B-5 is essential for making blood cells and proper functioning of your nervous system, and liver.

B-6 alleviates morning sickness, premenstrual syndrome and ease nausea, which is helpful for pregnant women. B-7 is helpful in amino acid breakdown, strengthens your nails, and prevents hair loss. B-9 and B-12 help the body produce red blood cells and prevents anemia. 

Concerned about your eyesight? Take vitamin A. Retinol found in vitamin A creates the pigments found in your eye’s retina and is essential in giving you good vision, night vision, and overall eye health. It also aids in preventing age related problems regarding eyesight such as macular degeneration. 

Vitamin D is also known as the sunshine vitamin as the body produces it when exposed to sunlight, it is known for regulating calcium and phosphorus in the body. This keeps bones, teeth, and muscles healthy. A lack in vitamin D can lead to bone abnormalities such as soft bones or fragile bones, which is osteoporosis. 

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects your cells from damages caused by free radicals; it also helps cells fight infection as well as protects eyesight. It is also responsible for the production of prostaglandins, which regulates body processes such as blood pressure and muscle contraction. 

Vitamin K plays an essential role in blood clotting, thereby helping your wounds heal properly. It is helpful in preventing internal bleeding, reducing heavy menstrual flow, and regulating blood sugar. It works with vitamin D in the absorption of calcium in the body, making it important in promoting bone health. 

Calcium maintains strong bones and teeth, circulates blood, moves muscles, and releases hormones. It needs vitamin D to help your body absorb the nutrient. Iron is found in red blood cells and it is needed for the transport of oxygen from your lungs throughout your body. Women need iron more because of menstruation. 

Magnesium has an abundance of benefits to your body. It is involved in lots of biochemical reactions in your body including protein formation, muscle movements, and nervous system regulation. It has been known to boost mood and fight depression and anxiety as well as prevent migraines. 

Potassium is classified as an electrolyte because it reacts in water. It helps your body regulate fluids to prevent dehydration. It can keep blood pressure healthy and reduce high blood pressure, which is essential especially if you consume high amounts of sodium. It can also protect against strokes and kidney stones. 

Selenium is essential in the proper function of your thyroid gland. It is an important part in the production of thyroid hormones, which in turn regulates your metabolism, digestion, and mood. It also acts as an antioxidant to neutralize excess free radicals and ease cell growth for a stronger immune system. 

Zinc is needed in the activity of 300 enzymes that includes healthy digestion, nerve function, and metabolism. Simply put, it helps the body heal. It builds proteins, heals damaged tissues, and is needed for cell membrane repair. It has been thought to improve your body’s immune function as well. 

Be sure to check the dosage of ingredients in your multivitamins. Keep in mind that your body will also absorb nutrients from the food you eat so it best not to overdo it as some vitamins and trace minerals such as vitamin A, iron, fluoride, and zinc can have toxic effects if consumed in excess.

For US manufactured supplements, it should not exceed the 100% DV or Daily Value. For local brands, you can also check the Food and Nutrition Institute of the Department of Science and Technology or FNRI-DOST's website for the Recommended Dietary Allowance or RDA. 

The recommended dosage varies per person though 1-2 supplements a day is a safe amount. When in doubt, you should always consult with your doctor to ensure you are prescribed the appropriate amount. 

Make sure you buy from trusted brands or sellers to ensure the authenticity and quality of the product. It may be tempting to buy vitamins at a low cost but the caveat? You get a product not compliant to regulatory and safety standards, which could be dangerous to your health.

For imported products, you could check if it has been USP verified and for local products you could check if has been prohibited by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on their website. 

Here are our picks of the top 10 multivitamins to give you much needed nutrients in your body.

Here’s how you could get the most out of your multivitamins to ensure optimum results and avoid doing more harm than good. 

Unless your doctor specifically instructed you to take another supplement or vitamin, do not combine multiple supplements or vitamins. The combination could be a recipe for disaster as you could overdose or could end up with complications like liver and kidney problems. 

If you’ve missed a dose, take the supplement as soon as you can, but if it is almost time for your next one, then skip it. Do not double your dose. Do not try to make up for it by taking two at a time. This could cause you to overdose, which brings more harm than good. Some minerals can cause serious symptoms if consumed too much. 

Can’t get enough of energy supplements? Or maybe you just need something to perk you up? Here are some of our picks that do not involve your usual chips. 

Multivitamins are essential if you are lacking certain nutrients whether from your lifestyle or a poor diet. It is important to note that multivitamins are not the key to optimum health, but are supplementary. A balanced diet and exercise is still the way to go. When in doubt, consult with your doctor before consuming multivitamins. 

Author: Justine Cuizon

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