Part of the B vitamin complex, it does some incredible things like helping to build your muscles, keeping your body strong, and helping to prevent heart attacks, cancer, and even birth defects. Folic acid is essential for the proper development and division of red blood cells, for the creation of RNA and DNA, as well as for protein synthesis. Also known as vitamin B-9, folate, folacin, and pteroryglutamic acid, folic acid is a water soluble vitamin that must be obtained through your diet. Some foods rich in folic acid are beans, brewer's yeast, egg yolks, green leafy vegetables like spinach, liver, nuts, rice, and oranges. If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, multivitamins might just send the doc packing.
Some multivitamins contain iron and other minerals.
Taking daily multivitamins can prevent maladies caused by vitamin deficiencies such as scurvy, rickets, and beriberi. So consult your doctor, then carefully read the labels to find the one that's right for you. No single food you eat provides the 11 essential fat and water soluble vitamins you need. Your body converts pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B-5, into coenzyme A, which helps metabolize carbohydrates, proteins, and fat. Like other B vitamins, this nutrient is essential for a wide variety of processes.