Multivitamins contain many nutrients that you may not need. If you are deficient in a particular nutrient, your doctor will often recommend taking a supplement specifically for that specific nutrient. Multivitamins and multiminerals are some of the most popular supplements in the world. The popularity of this https://ufabet999.app type of supplement has increased rapidly over the past few decades. Some people believe that multivitamins can help improve health, compensate for poor eating habits, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. This article examines the scientific evidence on multivitamins.
What are multivitamins?
Multivitamins are dietary supplements that contain a variety of vitamins and minerals. Sometimes, additional ingredients may be added. Since there is no standard for multivitamins, the nutrient content of each brand and product can vary. Multivitamins are also called multivitamins, multiples, or just vitamins. They come in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, gummies, chewables, powders, and liquids. Most multivitamins are best taken one to two times a day. Be sure to read the label and follow dosage directions.
What does a multivitamin contain?
Humans need 13 vitamins and about 15 minerals for good health. These nutrients help produce enzymes and hormones, boost immunity, and keep the nervous system and organs functioning properly. The body also needs these nutrients for reproduction, maintenance, growth, and regulation of body processes.
Multivitamins may contain many of these vitamins and minerals, but in varying amounts. They may also contain other ingredients, such as herbs, amino acids, and fatty acids. Because the FDA does not regulate supplements as strictly as prescription drugs, some products may contain higher or lower amounts of nutrients than stated on the label. Additionally, some supplements may contain ingredients that may interact with medications, so it’s best to talk to your doctor before starting a new supplement.
Furthermore, the nutrients in multivitamins can come from real food or are synthetically produced, so it’s best to buy your vitamins from a reputable manufacturer.
Multivitamins and Heart Disease
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Although some believe that taking a multivitamin can help prevent heart disease, research does not support this belief. Some studies suggest that multivitamins are associated with a reduced risk of heart attacks and death, while others find no effect.
The Physicians Health Study II looked at the effects of taking a multivitamin daily in more than 14,000 middle-aged male physicians for 10 years and found no effect on the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death. However, a newer study found that among women, taking a multivitamin for more than three years was associated with a lower risk of dying from heart disease.
Multivitamins and Cancer
The evidence on multivitamin use and cancer risk is unclear. Some studies suggest no effect on cancer risk, while others link multivitamin use to an increased risk of cancer. One review of the research examined five randomized controlled trials involving 47,289 participants and found that men who took multivitamins had a 31% lower risk of developing cancer, but had no effect in women.
Two observational studies, one including only women and another including both men and women, linked long-term multivitamin use to a reduced risk of colon cancer. Finally, the Physicians Health Study II found that long-term daily multivitamin use reduced the risk of cancer in men with a history of cancer, as well as those without a history of cancer.
Multivitamins and brain health
Multivitamins are being studied for a variety of other purposes, including promoting brain function and eye health.
Brain function
Several small studies looking at specific populations have found that multivitamins can improve memory in older adults.
Multivitamins may also affect your mood. Research has not only revealed a link between poor mood and nutritional deficiencies, but also a link between nutritional supplements and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
However, other studies have found little or no change in mood.
Eye health
Age-related macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. One study found that taking antioxidant vitamins and minerals may help slow the progression and prevent the disease from occurring. Additionally, some evidence suggests that multivitamins may reduce the risk of developing cataracts, another common eye disease.
Multivitamins can be dangerous in some cases
Dosage is an important factor to consider when taking a multivitamin. While high doses of some vitamins and minerals are acceptable for some people, excessively high doses can be harmful. The right amount depends on the water solubility of the vitamin, which falls into two groups:
- Water soluble: The body excretes excess amounts of these vitamins in the urine.
- Fat-soluble: Since the body has no easy way to eliminate these substances, excess amounts can build up in the liver.
Pregnant women should be especially careful about consuming vitamin A, as excessive intake has been linked to birth defects.
Vitamin D toxicity is rare and unlikely to be caused by taking a multivitamin. However, vitamin A toxicity is more common.
If you take a multivitamin and eat a lot of nutrient-dense foods, you may be getting more than the recommended daily intake.
Smokers should avoid multivitamins that contain high amounts of beta-carotene or vitamin A, as these nutrients may increase the risk of lung cancer.
High levels of certain minerals, such as iron, can lead to stomach pain, constipation, vomiting, and fainting. Iron can also limit the body’s ability to absorb zinc.
Men in particular should be careful about their iron intake, as they tend to store more iron than women, as well as individuals with hemochromatosis, which can lead to toxic levels of the mineral being stored and can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and heart disease. People with this condition should avoid vitamin C supplements.
Another risk is faulty manufacturing processes, which can result in multivitamins containing much higher amounts of nutrients than recommended.