Belinda Nowadays, multivitamins are the most widely used supplement around the world. According to the research, seventy per cent of adults over the age of 65 in the United States take a multivitamin or another vitamin supplement on a regular basis. However, how many of these people are aware of whether we truly require a multivitamin? Or do these multivitamins just provide us with a false sense of security?
What are Multivatamins?
Multivitamins are a product that contains vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. It is intended to be taken as a dietary supplement, known as a multivitamin. Usually, tablets, capsules, pastilles, powders, liquids, and injectable formulations are all forms of these preparations.
A multivitamin generally includes:
- Calcium
- Folate
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D
- Zinc
Should I Take Multivitamins Every Day?
The majority of people take vitamins because they want to be healthy and make sure they get all the vitamins they need, in case they don’t get enough from their normal diets. In fact, there is no more evidence to prove that daily intake of vitamins and minerals can actually achieve the desired effect you want.
For healthy people, multivitamins are proven they can not be used to prevent cancer, heart disease or other diseases according to most scientific studies. Multivitamins will only benefit specific groups of people.
Who Can Benefit From Multivitamins?
A comprehensive list of individuals who may be at increased risk of micronutrient deficiencies is provided by the Linus Pauling Institute, an Oregon State University molecular nutrition research institute. A multivitamin may be most beneficial to the following individuals:
- Women who are pregnant, lactating, or of childbearing age.
- People who are obese need more of certain nutrients.
- Children, adolescents, and infants who are growing and developing.
- The elders who may experience decreased appetite and nutrient absorption.
- People who struggle to absorb nutrients, such as those who consume a lot of alcohol, have undergone bariatric surgery, and take certain medications.
- People who consume fewer nutrients, such as those who do not eat a healthy diet, those who struggle with food insecurity, and possibly vegans or vegetarians.
- People who use sunscreen, cover all of their exposed skin when outside, or have darker skin pigmentation are all likely to be low in vitamin D.
How to Choose the Right Multivitamins?
The selection of multivitamins can be overwhelming if you decide to take one. Consider these points and guidelines when selecting the best one:
#1: Consult with your doctor
Nutrient requirements vary from person to person. Our physician will assist in determining your nutritional requirements and recommending the appropriate vitamin.
#2: Choose one that contains all of its ingredients at their daily value
The levels of some ingredients within the same multivitamin, like magnesium and potassium, are kept low to prevent interactions, and the levels of calcium are also kept low to keep the pill small.
#3: Verification by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) can be found on the label
The USP is an independent, non-profit organization that basically checks to see if supplements are pure and contain what they say they do.
#4: Watch out for marketing gimmicks
On vitamin labels, be wary of general marketing claims that lack scientific support. These could be claims that support brain health, improve specific things like hair and nails, or increase energy levels. In an effort to entice consumers, dietary supplements frequently make exaggerated claims that are rarely supported by research.
The Bottom Line
In the end, taking a multivitamin is a personal decision you should make with your doctor based on your particular health and dietary needs. It is important to remember that multivitamins can not substitute for a well-balanced diet.
