Why Do Insurance Companies Not Cover Vitamins and Minerals?

Cost

What are the benefits of IV Vitamin Therapy?

IV Vitamin Therapy is an effective way to nourish the body with vitamins and minerals, although it is not covered by insurance and can be quite costly. As stated by Healthline, a nurse or healthcare professional carefully monitors the vitamin infusion to ensure the rates are administered properly. This practice is becoming increasingly popular as more individuals become aware of its potential health benefits.

Do multivitamins/minerals reduce the risk of mortality?

The findings of an average of 91,074 healthy adults taking Multivitamin/mineral Supplements (MVMS) for 43 months showed 8,794 deaths, indicating that MVMS can potentially reduce the risk of mortality. As mentioned in the study published in the National Institute of Health (NIH) Factsheets, MVMS provided an average of 14 nutrients, although the products with 3 nutrients in 5 trials did not contain a mineral. The average age of participants was 62 years.

What factors should be considered when choosing a home nutrient test?

When choosing a home nutrient test, cost, accuracy and how comprehensive the test is should all be taken into account. Verywell Health recommends considering tests that range in price between $50 and $200, as they are not typically covered by insurance. It is important to select a test that is accurate and comprehensive in order to ensure that all vitamin deficiencies are identified.

Risk Factors

Can taking a daily multivitamin reduce the risk of chronic diseases?

Taking a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement may offer insurance that most micronutrient needs are met, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. It is uncertain if it can reduce the risk of various chronic diseases. Research from the University of Washington showed that multivitamin/mineral supplements may help in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

What are the benefits of taking a multivitamin/mineral supplement?

Multivitamin/mineral (MVM) supplements are a combination of vitamins and minerals, and sometimes other ingredients, that can provide essential nutrients for a healthy lifestyle. Cited from the National Institutes of Health, each of the vitamins and minerals in MVMs have a unique role in the body. Research has shown that taking a daily MVM supplement can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Can vitamins and minerals cause harm if used incorrectly?

Vitamins and minerals can cause harm if used improperly, such as from doses that are too high or from long-term usage. Cited from The Conversation, side effects from vitamins and minerals can occur, and these effects can range from mild to severe. Studies have found that taking certain vitamins and minerals in excess can increase the risk of disease and other health problems.

Lack of Evidence

What are vitamins and minerals important for?

Vitamins and minerals are essential for health, as they help our bodies develop and function normally. As stated by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), vitamins and minerals include A, C, D, E, K and the B vitamins, as well as minerals such as calcium, zinc and magnesium. A balanced diet is crucial to ensure your body gets enough of these essential nutrients.

What are the two types of vitamins?

Vitamins and minerals are essential micronutrients that our body needs to maintain normal functions, but they must be sourced from food as they cannot be produced by our bodies. From The Nutrition Source at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, vitamins are classified as either fat-soluble or water-soluble. Minerals are inorganic substances which are necessary for proper functioning of our bodies.

Should I consult a healthcare provider before taking herbal supplements?

It is important to be cautious when taking herbal supplements, as they can damage the liver and increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers. An info from Dr. Millstein from Penn Medicine, you should always speak with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements. Research has shown that most supplements are not beneficial and can even be harmful in some cases.

Unproven Benefits

Is it safe to take herbal supplements?

Herbal supplements such as comfrey and kava can be damaging to the liver, while beta-carotene and vitamin A can increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers. It is important to speak with your healthcare provider before taking any supplement, according to Penn Medicine's Health and Wellness blog in February 2020. Recent studies suggest that dietary supplements may not provide any additional health benefits.

What benefits can vitamin therapy IVs provide?

Vitamin therapy IVs can be beneficial for those who want to feel their best, according to Dr. Erika Schwartz of Evolved Science. Citation: Schwartz, Erika MD. "Vitamin infusions aren't just for A-listers" Health, July 6, 2022. Research has shown that vitamin IV therapy can help with fatigue, cognitive decline, and nutrient deficiencies.

What are vitamins and minerals?

Vitamins and minerals are essential micronutrients that must be obtained from food in order to carry out normal body functions. As reported by Harvard's Nutrition Source, vitamins are classified as either fat-soluble or water-soluble, with the former being stored in the body's fatty tissues and liver. Magnesium is a mineral that plays an important role in the physiological processes of the human body.

Inefficacy

Can vitamin and mineral supplements be taken safely?

Vitamin and mineral supplements can be taken safely and in greater amounts than the recommended dietary allowances, according to a study published in 1997 by the National Institute of Health on pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. It is important to note that safety and efficacy are separate issues when considering supplementation.

Do you take vitamin supplements?

The survey shows that a large percentage of people take vitamin supplements regularly either through multiple vitamin/mineral products or single vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, or Vitamin B complex. As indicated by a survey conducted by FoodNavigator in 2001, 46 per cent take a multiple vitamin/mineral product daily while 35 per cent take single vitamins, and 23 per cent regularly use herbs and specialty supplements. This indicates the growing demand for insurance coverage for vitamin supplements.

What vitamins are essential for good health?

Vitamins and minerals are essential substances for optimal human health and development. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), vitamins include A, C, D, E, and K, as well as the B vitamins: thiamin (B 1), riboflavin (B 2), niacin (B 3), pantothenic acid (B 5), pyridoxal (B 6), cobalamin (B 12), biotin, and folate/folic acid. Minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron are also essential for health.

Availability

What are the benefits of taking a multivitamin/mineral supplement?

Multivitamin/mineral supplements provide a combination of essential vitamins and minerals that are necessary for proper body functioning. Attributed to the National Institutes of Health, MVMs also sometimes contain other ingredients as well. Each of the vitamins and minerals in MVMs has its own unique role in the body.

Do vitamin or mineral supplements have any effect on brain health?

Overall, the research evidence on isolated vitamins or minerals and brain health is insufficient, and there is currently no strong scientific basis to recommend these supplements. As indicated by Harvard Health, randomized clinical trials have not provided much evidence for the efficacy of brain health supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) have been found to have some potential benefits for mental health.

What is the best way to get enough vitamin D?

For most people, taking a daily vitamin D supplement is the best way to get enough of the vitamin since it is hard to obtain from food sources. According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health's Nutrition Source, although some foods are fortified with vitamin D, few foods contain it naturally. Vitamin D supplements are available in two forms: D2 (“ergocalciferol” or pre-vitamin D) and D3 (“cholecalciferol”). The National Institutes of Health recommend that adults over the age of 70 should get 800 IU of vitamin D daily.

Supplementation

Is it safe to take herbal supplements?

Supplements can be dangerous for your health and it is recommended to speak with your healthcare provider before taking any of them. According to Penn Medicine, Herbal supplements comfrey and kava can damage your liver, while beta-carotene and vitamin A can increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers. Studies have shown that high doses of calcium supplements are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Does vitamin and mineral supplementation improve cognitive function in people over 40?

Vitamin and mineral supplementation has been found to have no effect on cognitive function in people aged 40 and over. As indicated by a study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) in 2018, there is no evidence to suggest that supplementation of the diet with vitamins and minerals can maintain or improve cognitive function in this age group. It has been noted that further research is needed to determine whether or not supplementation can be beneficial for older adults.

Should vitamin and mineral supplements be used to prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease?

The USPSTF recommends against the use of vitamin and mineral supplementation to prevent cancer or cardiovascular disease. As mentioned in the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), published in July 2020, there is not enough evidence to support the use of multivitamin, vitamin, or mineral supplements for the prevention of chronic diseases. There are some studies that suggest that taking certain vitamins (such as Vitamin D) may potentially reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Dose

Can MVMs help provide essential vitamins and minerals?

Multivitamin/mineral (MVM) supplements are combinations of vitamins and minerals, and sometimes other ingredients, that each have a unique role in the body. According to the National Institutes of Health, MVMs can help provide essential vitamins and minerals that may not be consumed in one's daily diet. Studies suggest that certain combinations of vitamins and minerals may provide additional health benefits.

Is it safe to take a daily MVM supplement?

Taking a daily dose of a basic Multi-Vitamin Mineral (MVM) supplement is unlikely to pose a health risk for most people. According to NCCIH (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health), fortified foods and beverages should be consumed in moderation to avoid exceeding the safe upper limits for any nutrients. It is important to keep track of the total intake of vitamins and minerals from both dietary supplements and fortified foods.

Is it safe to take herbal supplements?

Herbal supplements such as comfrey and kava can be damaging to your liver, while beta-carotene and vitamin A can increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements. Via Penn Medicine, it is important to understand the potential side effects of taking herbal supplements before beginning any treatment, especially for those who are already taking medications or have pre-existing conditions (Penn Medicine, 2020). It is important to note that some dietary supplements may contain active ingredients that can cause serious harm if taken at high doses.

Interactions

What is the importance of vitamin D in mineral metabolism?

Vitamin D plays an important role in mineral metabolism, and vitamins and minerals interact in different ways, including protecting the organism and affecting each other's metabolism. Cited on a study published in PubMed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1992, such interaction is essential for human health. Research has found that a deficiency in just one nutrient can have a cascading effect on the body's ability to absorb other vitamins and minerals.

What are nutrient-nutrient interactions?

Nutrient-nutrient interactions can be beneficial in some cases, but large doses of individual nutrients can have a negative impact on how the body absorbs and utilizes other nutrients, according to Nordic Naturals. These interactions must be taken into account when supplementing with vitamins and minerals. Research has found that an inadequate intake of certain nutrients can increase the risk of chronic diseases.

What risks are associated with vitamin and mineral drug interactions?

Drug interactions with vitamins and minerals can have serious consequences, particularly for elderly patients, those taking multiple medications, and those with kidney or liver dysfunction. From U.S. Pharmacist, risk factors for poor outcomes include use of multiple medications and/or supplements, older age, inadequate kidney or liver function, and the use of medications with narrow therapeutic indexes. In addition, certain combinations of vitamins and minerals may interfere with the absorption of certain drugs.

Side Effects

What are common side effects of vitamins?

Common side effects of vitamins include upset stomach, constipation, change in color of stool to green, diarrhea, and belly pain. The effects may vary depending on the product; for example, products with iron may lead to constipation. It is important to seek medical help if any side effects persist or worsen. On Drugs.com, Vitamins Side Effects were last updated on November 6, 2022.

What are multivitamin/mineral supplements?

Multivitamin/mineral supplements provide a combination of vitamins and minerals that play a unique role in the body, as reported by the National Institutes of Health in 2020. MVMs may also contain other ingredients, and are also referred to as multis, multiples, or simply vitamins. In addition, research has shown that taking an MVM supplement can help prevent deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals.

Can taking too many vitamins and minerals be harmful?

Vitamins and minerals can be harmful when taken in doses that are too high, according to The Conversation in 2021. Too much intake can cause side effects, both short-term and long-term. It is important to consult a doctor before taking any vitamins and minerals to ensure that the recommended dosage is being followed. Some people are more sensitive to certain vitamins and minerals than others, so it is important to be aware of potential interactions between supplements and medications.

Source:

• Healthline : A Review, IV Vitamin Therapy, Healthline.
• Oregonstate : Multivitamin/mineral Supplements, Linus Pauling Institute.
• Nih : Vitamins, Minerals, NCCIH.
• Pennmedicine : The Truth, Supplements, 5 Things, You.
• Nih : Vitamins, minerals, efficacy and safety - PubMed.