Are Multivitamins Useful for Most People?
Nutritional Benefit
What is the best way to ensure your body is meeting its nutritional needs?
Most healthy people do not need to take daily supplements, but should instead get their vitamins and minerals through food, according to a survey of 3,500 adults conducted by Harvard Health in 2021. Eating a balanced diet with a variety of foods is the best way to ensure your body is meeting its nutritional needs.
What are the health benefits of taking a multivitamin?
Taking a multivitamin can provide many health benefits, such as maintaining organ and vision health, according to WebMD. Mixed carotenoids and beta-carotene are important components of a multivitamin that help support these benefits. Many studies have shown that a daily multivitamin can reduce the risk of some chronic diseases.
Multivitamin/mineral supplements provide a combination of vitamins and minerals, as well as other ingredients, to support the body's needs. Attributed to the National Institutes of Health, each of these vitamins and minerals have a unique role in the body. Some MVMs may also contain herbs, amino acids, and fatty acids.
Cost
Do multivitamins reduce the risk of disease?
Multivitamins and multiminerals are widely used but evidence suggests they may not be as beneficial as people believe. Attributed to a study published in the Journal of American Medical Association in 2018, multivitamins had no significant effect on reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease or cancer. A review of existing studies found that there is insufficient evidence to support the use of multivitamins for the prevention of chronic disease.
Do multivitamins provide cognitive benefits?
Multivitamins don't provide cognitive benefits for men and people AMAB ages 65 years or older, according to a study of nearly 6,000 male physicians over 65 years conducted by the Cleveland Clinic in 2021. While multivitamins may be beneficial for individuals with certain dietary needs, they may not be necessary for the general population. Research has found that excess intake of certain vitamins through multivitamins may be harmful to certain individuals.
Daily multivitamin use is associated with a reduced risk of cancer and other chronic diseases, according to a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial conducted by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in 2020. It has also been found to reduce the risk of certain diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and stroke. Research has shown that multivitamins can help promote overall health and well-being.
Ease of Use
Do multivitamins and multimineral supplements improve health?
Multivitamins and multimineral supplements may not make you healthier, according to Harvard Health in Apr 2022. Making Sense of Vitamins and Minerals: Choosing the foods and nutrients you need to stay healthy explains the evidence behind the benefits and safety profiles of various vitamins and minerals. It is recommended to choose foods and nutrients for a balanced diet to stay healthy.
Can multivitamins reduce the risk of prostate cancer?
Multivitamins do not lower the risk of common male cancers like prostate cancer, so they are not recommended for men. Mentioned in Cleveland Clinic, taking a multivitamin won't have any preventive effects on common cancers. Research has shown that multivitamins are not associated with decreased mortality from cardiovascular disease.
Do multivitamins reduce risk of heart disease or cancer?
Multivitamins do not offer any significant benefit for reducing risk of heart disease, cancer, or mental decline. A recent analysis of research involving 450,000 people, conducted by Hopkins Medicine in 2020, found that multivitamins did not reduce risk for heart disease or cancer. A study by the same institution which tracked the mental functioning and multivitamin use of 5,947 men over 12 years found that the supplement did not reduce the risk of mental decline.
Availability
Do multivitamins make people healthier?
Taking multivitamins does not make an individual healthier, according to Harvard Health. Though dietary supplements are popular, the evidence behind their benefits and safety profiles is limited. It is important to choose the right foods and nutrients to stay healthy.
Are multivitamins safe?
Multivitamins are generally safe for most people, with some risks, according to the Cleveland Clinic. On health.clevelandclinic.org, they report that the effectiveness of multivitamins depends on the individual's diet and health needs in August 2022. Individuals with specific medical conditions should consult their doctor before taking multivitamins.
Overall, research suggests that multivitamins do not reduce the risk of heart disease or cancer, nor do they prevent mental decline. A study conducted by Hopkins Medicine in 2020, involving 450,000 people, found no significant effect on risk factors. A separate study of 5,947 men over 12 years found no improvement in mental functioning with multivitamin use.
Safety
Should I take daily vitamin or mineral supplements?
Most healthy people should not take daily vitamin or mineral supplements, according to Harvard Health. Some people with diagnosed deficiencies or certain medical issues may benefit from taking them. About 70% of older adults use either a daily multivitamin or individual vitamin or mineral.
Do multivitamins reduce risk for heart disease, cancer, or mental declines?
Multivitamins do not reduce risk for heart disease, cancer, or mental declines such as memory loss or slowed-down thinking, according to a study conducted by Johns Hopkins Medicine involving 450,000 people and another study tracking the mental functioning and multivitamin use of 5,947 men over 12 years. Despite this, a balanced diet and lifestyle are still important for overall health and wellbeing.
What is the best way to get enough vitamin D?
It is recommended to take a daily multivitamin to ensure an adequate daily intake of vitamin D, though research has suggested higher rates of death in people using multivitamins. Cited from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, for most people, the best way to get enough vitamin D is through supplementation due to difficulty in obtaining enough through food sources. Research suggests that vitamin D is important for bone health, immune health, and other metabolic functions.
Ingredients
Do multivitamins and multimineral supplements improve overall health?
Multivitamins and multimineral supplements do not significantly improve overall health, according to Harvard Health's Making Sense of Vitamins and Minerals: Choosing the foods and nutrients you need to stay healthy (Apr 7, 2022). Certain vitamins and minerals can help to reduce the risk of specific health problems when taken in moderation.
What are the benefits of taking multivitamin/mineral supplements?
Multivitamin/mineral supplements provide a combination of essential vitamins and minerals for the body, and can be referred to as multis, multiples, or simply vitamins. Cited from the National Institutes of Health, each vitamin and mineral has a unique role in the body. Some MVMs may also contain other ingredients.
Do I need a daily supplement?
Most healthy people do not need a daily supplement, according to Harvard Health from Feb 12, 2021. Supplements can be beneficial for those with diagnosed deficiencies or certain medical issues. Around 70% of older adults use either a daily multivitamin or individual vitamin or mineral.
Taste
Do multivitamins reduce risk for heart disease or cancer?
Overall, multivitamins have not been found to reduce risk for heart disease or cancer, nor to improve mental functioning or memory loss. According to a study by Hopkins Medicine involving 450,000 people, and another from 5,947 men over 12 years, no benefit was found from taking multivitamins. Research has found that people who take multivitamins tend to have healthier lifestyles overall.
Taking multivitamins and multiminerals supplements may not necessarily make you healthier, according to Harvard Health's Making Sense of Vitamins and Minerals: Choosing the foods and nutrients you need to stay healthy. While some vitamins and minerals may be beneficial, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen to ensure safety and maximum health benefits.
Multivitamins have been shown to have beneficial effects on specific diseases, including cancer, in randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials conducted by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in 2020. Taking multivitamins has also been associated with a lower risk of death from all causes.
Formulation
Do multivitamins reduce risk for chronic diseases?
Multivitamins have not been shown to reduce risk for heart disease, cancer, or mental declines such as memory loss or slowed-down thinking, according to a study by Hopkins Medicine involving 450,000 people and another study tracking 5,947 men over 12 years. It is important to note, however, that other studies have found that taking multivitamins can reduce risk of chronic diseases.
Do multivitamins prevent common cancers?
Multivitamins are not effective in preventing common cancers for men and people assigned male at birth, according to Cleveland Clinic, on health.clevelandclinic.org, in 2022. They may be beneficial for individuals with specific dietary needs or dietary restrictions.
What are multivitamins?
Multivitamins are dietary supplements containing vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional elements. They come in many forms such as tablets, capsules, pastilles, powders, liquids, or injectable formulations. According to Wikipedia, "Multivitamins contain multiple micro-nutrients, such as vitamins and dietary minerals." The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that individuals take a daily multivitamin to ensure they are meeting their nutrient needs.
Age Appropriateness
Is taking a daily multivitamin beneficial?
For most people, taking a daily multivitamin is the best way to get enough vitamins and minerals, as it is difficult to get enough of these nutrients through food alone. Sourced from a study conducted by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in 2019, women over the age of 55 who took multivitamins were at higher risk for certain health problems. It is important to note that taking more than the recommended daily dosage of certain vitamins can be harmful.
What can older adults do to improve their diet quality?
Older adults have the highest diet quality compared to other age ranges, with an HEI score of 63 out of 100 according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, as reported by The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2021. To further improve their diet quality, older adults should focus on increasing their intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
Do multivitamins help with living longer?
Taking multivitamins is not associated with living longer, according to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine by researchers from 27,000 people, on vice.com in 2019. While multivitamins may offer some benefits, such as helping to prevent nutrient deficiencies, it is important to note that too much of certain vitamins can be dangerous and cause adverse health effects.
Manufacturer Reputation
What vitamins and minerals can help maintain good health?
Making Sense of Vitamins and Minerals is an evidence-based guide to choosing the right foods and nutrients to stay healthy, according to Harvard Health. It covers the benefits and safety profiles of various vitamins and minerals, helping users make informed decisions. Over half of all Americans take dietary supplements, with multivitamins and multiminerals being the most popular.
Do multivitamins and multimineral supplements provide health benefits?
Multivitamins and multimineral supplements do not have a clear evidence of providing any health benefits for most people, as mentioned by Harvard Health in Making Sense of Vitamins and Minerals: Choosing the Foods and Nutrients You Need to Stay Healthy. Some people may benefit from certain vitamins and minerals, depending on their individual dietary needs.
Do multivitamins prevent common cancers in men and AMAB?
Multivitamins are not proven to prevent common cancers in men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB), according to Cleveland Clinics research in 2022. Taking a multivitamin also wont reduce the risk of prostate cancer, the most common cancer among males. Taking multivitamins may help reduce the risk of deficiency diseases if people have a poor diet.
Source:
- Harvard : you, a daily supplement, - Harvard Health.
- Healthline : Multivitamins, The Surprising Truth, Healthline.
- Harvard : multivitamins, you.
- Clevelandclinic : Multivitamins, Who, Them.
- Hopkinsmedicine : Any Benefit, Multivitamins, - Hopkins Medicine.
