Multivitamins are a popular dietary supplement that typically contain around 26 different vitamins and minerals, often providing 100% of the recommended daily amount of these micronutrients. Generally, they are safe to take on a daily basis, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Multivitamins come in various forms, such as capsules, tablets, gummies, powders, and liquids. Some are designed for a specific age or gender, while others are formulated for pregnant or breastfeeding women. As an expert in the field of nutrition and dietary supplements, I can tell you that taking a multivitamin every day won't replace the need for a healthy lifestyle.
While they are generally safe for most people, they are not a reliable way to get all the vitamins and minerals your body needs. The Physicians Health Study II was the first to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of multivitamins in preventing chronic diseases. When it comes to multivitamins, there is an enormous variety of options that offer a multitude of benefits. However, there is no standard for what you can expect to find in available multivitamins or in what quantity. Generally speaking, these supplements are formulated to help you meet the recommended daily amount of many of the vitamins and minerals your body needs to function optimally. A recent meta-analysis that included 18 studies, 2,099,262 participants and 18,363,326 person-years reported that multivitamins did not reduce the incidence of strokes or mortality from strokes, cardiovascular or coronary heart diseases.
Another study found that certain dietary supplements, such as multivitamins, folic acid, iron and copper, seemed to be associated with a higher risk of death in older women. Most multivitamins contain 100% of the daily value of vitamin D but have limited amounts of calcium and potassium and do not contain fiber. The value of taking a multivitamin for you specifically may depend on your wallet or your desire for more peace of mind. For optimal absorption of a calcium supplement, avoid taking it with your multivitamin. If you take Synthroid, take it four hours before or after the multivitamin or calcium supplement for optimal effectiveness. The data also shows that users of multivitamin supplements are more likely to take other dietary supplements and that excessive intakes occur more easily when two or more dietary supplements contain the same nutrient.
Therefore, it is important to be aware of what is in your multivitamin and how much you are taking. In conclusion, while multivitamins can be beneficial for some people who may not be getting enough vitamins and minerals from their diet alone, they should not be used as a substitute for healthy eating habits. It is important to consult with your doctor before taking any dietary supplement to ensure it is right for you.
