Why Do Multivitamins Contain High Levels of Vitamins?
To meet dietary needs
Do multivitamins provide optimal health?
Multivitamins contain more than 100% of the Daily Value because the DV only provides enough nutrients to avoid deficiency in 97% of the population, and larger doses of certain vitamins and minerals are needed to optimize health. According to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health in 2019, adults may need up to four times the DV of certain vitamins and minerals for optimal health.
Multivitamins do work to support key body functions, and are necessary for reproduction, maintenance, growth, and other processes. As stated by Healthline in 2021, many produce enzymes and hormones, boost immunity, and keep your nerves and organs functioning properly. Research shows that multivitamin supplements can reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Can taking high doses of multivitamins have negative side effects?
High doses of multivitamins can cause unwanted side effects, such as preventing the body from absorbing other nutrients and providing too much iodine. From Healthline (2020), multivitamins containing high levels of iron, copper, and zinc may interfere with nutrient absorption while those containing too much iodine can cause thyroid problems. It is important to check with a healthcare provider before taking any high-dose multivitamin.
To boost energy
What supplements are best for energy?
The best supplements for energy are Vitamin B12, Iron, CoQ10, Creatine, Rhodiola Rosea, Ashwagandha, Magnesium, and Caffeine, according to Healthline.com (May 28, 2018). Vitamin B12 helps transform the food you eat into energy that your cells can use and also keeps your bodys nerves and blood healthy.
Do multivitamins provide a health benefit?
Multivitamins do not provide a major health benefit, according to Harvard Health, who suggests that the best way to get the vitamins and minerals you need is through a balanced diet. This was also supported by Making Sense of Vitamins and Minerals: Choosing the foods and nutrients you need to stay healthy, which explains the evidence behind the benefits and safety profiles of various vitamins and minerals. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and dairy can help meet your nutritional needs.
What are some sources of niacin?
Niacin is an essential B vitamin that helps to keep our bodies functioning optimally, found in many foods such as yeast, milk, meat, tortillas and cereal grains. Mentioned in Mayo Clinic, niacin is often part of a daily multivitamin and most people get an adequate amount from the food they eat. Niacin is important for maintaining a healthy nervous system, digestive system and skin.
To improve overall health
What are the benefits of taking multivitamins and multiminerals?
Multivitamins and multimineral supplements can be beneficial for overall health, but it is important to choose the right ones and take them in the right amounts. Cited on Harvard Health's Making Sense of Vitamins and Minerals, the evidence behind the benefits and safety profiles of various vitamins and minerals should be considered when taking dietary supplements. It is also important to maintain a balanced diet to ensure that all essential nutrients are being consumed.
Do multivitamin/mineral supplements improve health?
Multivitamin/mineral supplements have been found to improve health and prevent chronic disease, according to a study by the National Institutes of Health-AARP Diet and Health Study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2019. The study found that taking a daily supplement containing high doses of vitamin C (500 mg), vitamin E (400 IU), and beta-carotene (15 mg) was associated with reduced risks of overall and site-specific cancer.
Do multivitamins reduce the risk of certain diseases?
Multivitamins do not reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, cognitive decline, or an early death, according to a study published by Johns Hopkins Medicine in 2019. This is supported by previous studies, which have found that vitamin E and beta-carotene supplements can be harmful, particularly when taken in large doses.
To reduce the risk of certain diseases
Can multivitamins improve health?
Multivitamins may contain more than 100% of the Daily Value to optimize health and provide adequate nutrition for individuals. As indicated by the National Institutes of Health, most people can benefit from larger quantities of certain vitamins and minerals than what is provided in the DV. Research has shown that Vitamin D levels of 800 IU can still be suboptimal for some individuals.
Taking a multivitamin for more than 3 years has been linked to a lower risk of dying from heart disease in women, according to a study published in 2021 by Healthline. This suggests that multivitamins can have benefits for overall health and wellbeing. Research has found that a balanced diet is still the best way to get all of the nutrients you need.
Can Vitamin D reduce the risk of type 1 diabetes?
Though more research is required to confirm the link, supplementing with Vitamin D may help reduce the risk of type 1 diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. A study published by the ADA in 2020 showed an association between higher Vitamin D concentrations in childhood and a lower risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
To support the immune system
Do multivitamins work?
Yes, multivitamins do work and can help support a variety of structures and functions in the body, like bones, eyes and vision, immune system, and cellular energy . As mentioned in mindbodygreen, a high-quality and comprehensive multivitamin/mineral supplement contributes to sufficiency in key micronutrients. Research from the University of Maryland Medical Center has also shown that multivitamins can reduce the risk of certain diseases.
Can supplements improve the immune system?
Yes, supplements can improve the immune system when used to treat severe deficiency. A study by WebZinc showed that zinc lozenges can significantly reduce cold symptoms such as cough, runny nose, and muscle aches. Zinc has also been studied as a treatment for a variety of ailments such as herpes, high cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis, and HIV.
Is it safe to take a multivitamin and vitamin D together?
Yes, it is safe to take a multivitamin and vitamin D together. According to GNC, Vitamin D can be found in cod liver oil, trout and salmon, although the amounts are not enough to meet daily needs. Taking a multivitamin can ensure that you reach your daily requirements for essential vitamins and minerals.
To help the body absorb essential nutrients
Can an MVM supplement help meet daily nutrient needs?
Taking an MVM supplement can help people meet their daily recommended nutrient intakes when they cannot do so through their diet alone. Sourced from the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) of the Institute of Medicine (IOM), the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) and the Adequate Intake (AI) are the daily recommended levels of intake for essential vitamins and minerals. Research has shown that MVM supplements can help reduce the risk of certain health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.
What role does Vitamin D play in reducing illness risk?
Vitamin D has been found to reduce the risk of various illnesses, including cancer, autoimmune diseases and cardiovascular disease, as well as help with calcium absorption for strong bones. Attributed to Mayo Clinic's Special Report in 2009, Vitamin D not only helps with bone health but also plays a role in reducing the risk of many illnesses. Research has shown that Vitamin D may be involved in the regulation of cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, and inflammation.
Do multivitamins provide optimal health benefits?
Multivitamins contain more than 100% of the daily value to optimize health and avoid deficiency in 97% of the population, according to a study by Harvard Medical School on Harvard.edu in 2018. This is because the recommended daily value is not enough to provide optimal health benefits in many cases. Research shows that certain vitamins and minerals can have beneficial effects when taken in larger doses.
To promote healthy skin and hair
Do multivitamins contain more than the daily value of nutrients?
Multivitamins often contain more than 100% of the daily value because it is not enough to ensure optimal health in 97% of the population. According to a study conducted by Harvard Medical School, vitamin D levels should be higher than the daily value of 800 IU for optimal health.
What are the health benefits of taking multivitamins?
Multivitamins provide many health benefits, such as support for skin health and fighting free radical damage. Cited on WebMD, 400 micrograms or 100% Daily Value of Folic Acid is recommended to be consumed in order to gain these health benefits. Some cereals and products contain Folic Acid, making it easier to consume.
Is taking a daily multivitamin beneficial?
Taking a daily multivitamin is a safe and beneficial choice for most people according to research conducted by Forbes Health in 2023. It is a cost-effective way to insure against hidden micronutrient deficiencies and can help to bridge any nutrient gaps in ones diet. Multivitamins have been linked to general health benefits such as improved cognitive function and reduced risk of some diseases.
To support cognitive health
Do multivitamins make you healthier?
No, multivitamins do not make you healthier. As mentioned in Harvard Health's Making Sense of Vitamins and Minerals: Choosing the Foods and Nutrients You Need to Stay Healthy, the evidence behind the benefits and safety profiles of various vitamins and minerals is inconclusive. Nutrient deficiencies can still occur even with multivitamin use, so it is important to get essential nutrients from a balanced diet.
Multivitamins do not reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, cognitive decline, or early death, according to a research conducted by Hopkins Medicine in 2019. Vitamin E and beta-carotene supplements may even be harmful at high doses. It is recommended to get the necessary vitamins and minerals through a balanced diet instead.
Do multivitamins help to boost immunity?
Multivitamins do work in boosting immunity, maintaining organs and bodily functions, and aiding in growth and reproduction. According to Healthline in 2021, many of these vitamins act as enzymes and hormones that keep your body running smoothly. Research has shown that taking a daily multivitamin can reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases.
To provide antioxidant protection
Are multivitamins beneficial for the body?
Multivitamins can provide essential nutrients for the body to function properly, such as enzymes and hormones, immunity boosts, and nerve and organ maintenance. According to Healthline, multivitamins are a great way to ensure that the body is receiving all of the necessary vitamins and minerals it needs. These vitamins and minerals are important for reproduction, maintenance, growth, and development.
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins C and E, copper, zinc, and selenium, which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, according to Harvard Health. These nutrients also serve other important roles in the body.
Multivitamins provide multiple health benefits, including skin health support and protection from free radical damage. According to WebMD, the recommended RDA for folic acid is 400 micrograms or 100% of the Daily Value (DV). Some cereals and products already contain folic acid.
To help reduce inflammation
What benefits can multivitamins provide?
Multivitamins can provide numerous health benefits, such as strengthening bones and preventing osteoporosis, forming red blood cells, supporting brain and nerve function, and making DNA, as stated by WebMD in 2020. Research shows that multivitamins can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall health.
Is taking a daily multivitamin a good way to prevent micronutrient deficiencies?
Taking a daily multivitamin is a cost-effective way to insure against hidden micronutrient deficiencies, according to research from Forbes Health in 2021. The risks are low and the benefits are real for most people. Studies have shown that multivitamins can improve overall health, reduce the risk of chronic disease, and help maintain a healthy weight.
Does taking a multivitamin have any benefit for men and AMAB individuals?
Multivitamins do not reduce the risk of prostate cancer or other common male cancers, so they are not recommended for men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB). As reported by Cleveland Clinic, taking a multivitamin is not likely to provide any significant health benefit. People with deficiencies in specific vitamins and minerals may benefit from taking supplements.
Source:
- Cathe : Multivitamins, More Than 100%, The Daily Value.
- Healthline : The 11 Best Vitamins, Supplements.
- Harvard : multivitamins, you.
- Healthline : Multivitamins, The Surprising Truth, Healthline.
- Mindbodygreen : Multivitamins, The Science.
