The Growing Market of High-Content Multivitamins
Why Are Vitamins and Minerals Important?
According to a survey by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, 40% of Koreans experience nutritional imbalances, often consuming too little or too much of certain nutrients. Since vitamins aren't produced by the body, we must obtain them through our diet. However, modern dietary habits have led to widespread deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals.
Vitamins and minerals are crucial for maintaining the body's overall function. They can't be synthesized internally and must be sourced from food. Vitamins are divided into two categories: fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), which dissolve in oil, and water-soluble vitamins (B and C), which are sensitive to heat and water. This sensitivity makes it challenging to get adequate amounts from typical Korean diets, often requiring higher consumption.
Minerals, on the other hand, are single elements that the body cannot produce and must be obtained externally. To ensure you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals, it’s important to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. If meeting these needs through diet alone is difficult, consider supplementing with multivitamins and other health functional foods to bridge the gap.
Source: Jeju City Health Center
Water-soluble vitamins are absorbed in the intestines and transported through the bloodstream to the cells where they are needed. Excess amounts are excreted through urine. This group includes the B-complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12) and vitamin C.
a. Vitamin B Complex
B vitamins are crucial for brain function and DNA synthesis, and deficiencies can lead to various health problems. For instance, a lack of Vitamin B can reduce red blood cell production, leaving the body needing more oxygen and feeling exhausted. Specifically, a deficiency in Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) can result in beriberi, while insufficient Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) can lead to glossitis (inflammation of the tongue) and canker sores. Additionally, not having enough Vitamin B12 can cause pernicious anemia.
b. Vitamin C
Vitamin C, found in many fruits and vegetables, is crucial for collagen synthesis, immune function, iron absorption, and antioxidant protection. Without enough Vitamin C, you might experience chronic fatigue, delayed wound healing, bone and tooth issues, and scurvy, which is characterized by bleeding gums. Ensuring adequate intake of Vitamin C helps prevent colds and boosts the immune system.
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are absorbed with dietary fat and are more heat-resistant compared to water-soluble vitamins. They are absorbed in the intestines with the help of bile salts and transported throughout the body via the lymphatic system. The body stores more fat-soluble vitamins than water-soluble vitamins: vitamins A and D are primarily stored in the liver, vitamin E is stored in body fat and the reproductive system, and vitamin K is stored in relatively smaller amounts.
a. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is derived from beta-carotene, found in green and yellow vegetables. A deficiency can lead to dry skin and eyes, night blindness, and corneal dryness. Night blindness makes it difficult for the eyes to adjust from light to dark, impairing vision in low light. To boost vitamin A intake, consume vegetables like carrots and red bell peppers, as well as citrus fruits.
b. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is crucial for bone development and is primarily produced by the skin in response to sunlight. Since sunlight exposure can be limited, especially in certain climates or seasons, dietary intake is important. This is particularly true for children, who need more vitamin D due to rapid growth. A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to rickets, a condition characterized by impaired bone growth, resulting in deformed bones, often noticeable as a bent back or chest.
c. Vitamin E
Vitamin E, a fat-soluble compound (tocopherol) primarily found in certain vegetable oils such as wheat germ oil, acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. Its deficiency can result in issues like infertility and muscular dystrophy. Tocopherols, a form of vitamin E, are also used commercially to prevent rancidity in fats and oils.
d. Vitamin K
Vitamin K is primarily obtained from green leafy vegetables and is also synthesized by intestinal bacteria. Deficiency is uncommon due to these sources, but when it does occur, it can impair blood clotting because vitamin K is crucial for the production of prothrombin. It is important to note that vitamin K is necessary for synthesizing prothrombin in the liver.
Source: Maekyung Health (http://www.mkhealth.co.kr)
The health functional food market in Korea reached 6 trillion won by 2023. A notable 78 out of 100 Koreans reported purchasing health functional foods at least once a year, with an average annual spending of about KRW 360,000 per household. Millennials and Gen Z have particularly increased their spending on these products, driven by a strong focus on personal health and trends related to wellness and lifestyle.
The main driver behind this trend is a perceived lack of energy. This has led to a rise in the popularity of multivitamins, especially those with high B vitamin content, as consumers seek solutions to boost their energy levels and overall health.
