It’s a fact: Our bodies require a slew of nutrients to maintain optimal health. Yet even if you’re eating healthy foods on the regular, it’s possible to fall short. The current dietary guidelines for Americans recommend 2 cups of fruit and 2.5 cups of vegetables in our daily diets. Yet, on average, most people consume only 0.9 cups of fruit and 1.4 cups of vegetables per day, and only 1 in 10 adults eat enough of both, according to the CDC.

It’s a startling number when you consider nutrient deficiencies up our risks for chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. But the good news is a multivitamin can fill in some nutritional gaps. Studies show multivitamins can help you reach the recommended levels of certain minerals, particularly calcium, magnesium, and iron.

“Daily multivitamins are especially important for those who avoid certain food groups, such as meat or dairy, or struggle to eat a varied diet,” says Mackenzie Burgess, RDN, a nutritionist in Colorado.

Here, a guide to the most important ingredients in a multivitamin and why we need them.

•Calcium•
Essential for strong bones and teeth, calcium is a fundamental mineral. As we get older and start losing bone density, our calcium intake needs change, says Baltimore-based dietitian Carmen Roberts, RD. Women over 18 need at least 1000 mg per day, while those over 50 need at least 1200 mg per day.

•Vitamin D•
Vitamin D helps the body build and maintain healthy bones by absorbing calcium, the primary building block of bone. Aging skin has a decreased ability to change natural sunlight into vitamin D, which can also inhibit calcium absorption, so it's essential to consume enough vitamin D, Roberts says.

•Magnesium•
Magnesium is a mineral with vital roles across the body, such as supporting muscle and nerve function and boosting energy production. It also aids in bone health. Good sources of magnesium include nuts, seeds, whole grains, beans, leafy green vegetables, milk, yogurt, and fortified foods, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Read more- https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a38439564/multivitamin-ingredients/