List of Vitamins in Centrum

Centrum multivitamin supplement has been available in the U.S. since 1978 and is not intended to be a substitute for healthy eating. According to its website, Centrum has been on the leading edge of science, is the No. 1-recommended multivitamin by doctors and promotes good health with its combination of vitamins and nutrients. In particular, the vitamins contained in Centrum help with bone health, energy, immunity and muscle and nerve function.

Vitamin D

One tablet of Centrum multivitamin contains 400 international units (IU) of Vitamin D, which is 100 percent of the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance (USRDA). Vitamin D is also known as the "sunshine vitamin" and helps develop bones and teeth by absorbing phosphorous and calcium. Benefits of an adequate supply of Vitamin D include maintaining a healthy immune and nervous system, normal cell development and growth, and the potential of reducing the chances of colon and breast cancer.

Vitamin C

There are 60 mg of Vitamin C in each tablet of Centrum multivitamin, which is also 100-percent of the USRDA. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, helps with hundreds of body functions including the production of collagen, which helps repair body tissue. Vitamin C is also known to help maintain a healthy nervous and immune system by strengthening blood vessels and aiding in the production of antibodies. Nutritionally, Vitamin C is needed to synthesize fats and proteins and to utilize carbohydrates.

B Vitamins

Centrum multivitamins contain 100 percent of the USRDA of two B vitamins, Vitamin B-6 and B-12. Vitamin B-6 acts as a coenzyme and plays a vital role in the metabolic processing of fats, proteins and carbohydrates and also converts tryptophan into niacin. There are several advantages to the intake of Vitamin B-6 including healthy skin and hair, reduction of blood cholesterol, reduction of asthma symptoms and the reduction of arthritis inflammation.

Vitamin B-12 plays a key role in the production of genetic material. Use of this vitamin is also linked to increased energy and memory, immune system improvement and nervous system health.

Vitamin E

Centrum multivitamins also provide 100 percent of the USRDA of Vitamin E, a vitamin that acts as a cofactor in several of the body's enzyme systems. Vitamin E protects the body from over-oxidation, an occurrence that could damage the body. Vitamin E benefits include protection of cells, fats, DNA material and enzymes from damage, as well as protection from cancer and heart disease, blood clotting and reduces the risk of fatal heart attacks in men.