You may be wondering about the role of specific nutrients in multi-vitamins, this little fact file on multi-vitamins key ingredients from Nature's Fix should help;

Biotin plays a role in supporting normal psychological function and a healthy nervous system. it also contributes to normal hair and skin.

Chromium helps to maintain your body's blood glucose levels and contributes to normal nutrient metabolism.

Copper is a co-factor in the absorption of iron. It also contributes to normal hair and skin pigmentation.

Folate contributes to blood formation and has a role in cell division. It also reduces tiredness and fatigue.

Iodine contributes to the normal growth of children. It is also important in normal thyroid function.

Iron contributes to the cognitive development in children. It is also vital in the formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin and therefore assists with oxygen transport in the body.

Magnesium helps to support healthy energy metabolism, a healthy nervous system and normal muscle function, bone and tooth formation.

Manganese contributes to normal bones and connective tissue. It also helps with energy metabolism.

Niacin is used by your body to help release energy from food. It also helps to maintain a healthy nervous and psychological function.

Omega-3 fatty acids are required to help maintain healthy brain function and vision. Vegetarian flax seed oil for example is a rich source of Omega-3 alpha-Linolenic acid and so is fatty fish. Your body converts this into DHA (docosahexanoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentanoic acid). DHA is important because it plays a structural role in the cells of your central nervous system. EPA is required for optimal brain function and cell signalling.

Pantothenic acid assists with normal mental performance and supports energy metabolism.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) contributes to the maintenance of normal red blood cells. It also supports energy metabolism and protects cells from oxidative stress.

Selenium protects cells from oxidative stress. It is also important in helping to maintain a healthy immune function.

Thiamin helps convert carbohydrates from the food you eat into energy. It also contributes to the normal function of the heart.

Vitamin A supports normal vision, normal skin and the immune system function.

Vitamin B6 contributes to normal red blood cell formation and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. It also supports a normal nervous system and psychological function.

Vitamin B12 helps your body to release energy from food and supports a healthy nervous system.

Vitamin C is an important nutrient, which can help protect the cell from oxidative stress. It is required for the production of collagen, a protein found in your bones and skin. Vitamin C is also needed by your body to absorb iron from food.

Vitamin D helps your body to absorb an important mineral called calcium and by doing this it helps you to have strong bones and teeth. It also supports normal immune system function. Vitamin D is known as the 'sunshine vitamin' as your body can make this when exposed to a certain amount of sunlight.

Vitamin E helps to protect your cells against oxidative stress.

Zinc is required to maintain proper functioning of your immune system and cell growth. It supports normal skin, hair, nails and bones.

So now you know a little more about what's in your multi-vitamins, you just need to choose which supplement to buy...