There always seems to be a debate on whether multivitamin supplements are necessary or even effective.
When we think of bodybuilding supplements, or the products we purchase with the intention of getting ripped, multivitamins don’t usually come to mind. But don’t be mistaken, they still play a vital role in your supplement regime. Think of them as the solid foundation you need to build a strong and healthy physique. If you’re trying to build on a nutritionally deficient foundation your body is not going to perform to its best ability and achieve its best results.
“You can get all those vitamins in your food,” people may say. While this may be true to an extent, the harder you work the more nutrients your body requires. The more intensely you train, the more likely you are to experience injury. Meaning, the more athletic you are, the more nutritional value your body needs to perform well.
As humans, we don’t always fuel our tanks with the highest quality nutritionally balanced food. A multivitamin will keep you covered and shield against deficiencies. The next time you’re filling your cart with supplements, consider adding a multivitamin, you may find it to be a key factor in maintaining your body’s health, especially if you’re continuously pushing yourself to your physical limits.
It is also worth noting that we at Black Diamond Supplements offers multivitamins with ingredients designed specifically for athletes. Ingredients that have been proven to boost performance and stamina, help your body recover and repair from exhaustive exercise and that offer heightened immune protection for those who are prone to overworking themselves.
Vitamins can be broken up into two categories: water soluble and fat soluble. Water soluble vitamins should be taken on a daily basis because our body isn’t able to retain this particular type of nutrient (B1, B2, B3, Folic acid, Biotin, Vitamin C, etc). The fat soluble type of vitamin will remain in your body for longer periods of time (Vitamins A, D, E, K).
And although the inexpensive multivitamins you’ll find at the drugstore may appear to have a lot of the same ingredients as higher-end versions, be sceptical of the costs they’re cutting. Poorer quality forms of these vitamins don’t absorb as well and thus provide unsatisfactory results.
I’ll be breaking down ingredients commonly found in multivitamins, and our specialized ones designed for athletic types (both men and women). Take the time to read on to learn in further detail, how each vitamin can assist you in the body-building process.
The number one characteristic of a women’s multivitamin is a higher dose of iron. Iron is essential in metabolizing protein and to aid our body’s growth and development. Women lose iron during their periods and an iron deficiency can lead to a condition called anemia which causes tiredness, shortness of breath, dizziness and lightheadedness, definitely not ideal workout conditions.
You’ll also want to look for properties that regulate energy levels and metabolism in your women’s multivitamin. The B vitamins: thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folic acid (B9), and cobalamin (B12) help your body metabolize carbs, fats and proteins. A deficiency in B vitamins will make losing weight more difficult.
Green tea extract and Acacia Rigidula are natural energy stimulants associated with speeding up metabolism. They’ve also been known to improve mood and overall sense of well-being.
Universally Beneficial Vitamins
Vitamin A
Vitamin A supports muscle growth and protein synthesis. It’s crucial in the muscle repair process. Vitamin A also promotes bone development and structural strength in muscles.
Vitamin D
Unlike other vitamins that can be found solely in food, Vitamin D requires sun exposure to stimulate your body’s natural production. Due to cancer related risks and outdoor activities being not as popular as they used to be, Americans, on average, are receiving less and less direct sun exposure. And if you’re based in Arizona, like we are, going outside is virtually impossible in the summer months (without feeling like your skin is burning off). However, Vitamin D also aids in muscle growth, combating disease and improving bone health. And men: studies show it has a significant impact on testosterone production.
Maqui Super Berry
Another ingredient you may find in multivitamins specifically for athletes is Maqui Super Berry. It’s a deeply purpled berry collected from the distant Patagonia region of Chile that supports stamina, strength, and promotes a healthy immune response. Maqui Super Berry provides one of the highest concentrations of anthocyanins and delphinidins. Anthocyanins are the powerful antioxidants contributing to healthy inflammation support.
Check out the Athletic Multi we recommend here.
If there is one thing you take away from this article it’s the importance of a multivitamin in your supplement regime. Look for a multivitamin especially designed for your lifestyle, that’s when you’ll feel the best from your results. Also, remember that not all multivitamins are created equal. Shop at a trusted retailer like Black Diamond Supplements, to ensure you’re taking high-quality vitamins with greater absorption and effectiveness.
