Benefits of Taking Multivitamin Supplements

Vitamins and minerals are essential substances that our body needs to function properly. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet that contains plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, good protein sources, and healthful fats is the best way to get most of the essential nutrients needed for good health. But the fact is that not everyone manages to eat the recommended amount of nutrients. Sometimes we don’t eat enough nutrient-rich foods, especially fruits and vegetables, and hence we are unable to get all the micronutrients we need from our daily diet. This can increase the risk of developing certain health conditions like heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other health issues.

Fortunately, there are plenty of supplements and nutritional products that can compensate for poor eating habits, hence improving your health and even reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases. Dietary supplements have long been known to influence the immune system, thus giving your body’s defence mechanism a literal boost to fight off disease. To make up for the shortage of nutrients, you may consider taking multivitamins or vitamins individually. Read on to find out what multivitamins are, what they do, what are the benefits of taking them, and whether you might need them.

What Are Multivitamins?

Multivitamins are supplements that contain vitamins and minerals along with other ingredients like herbs, amino acids, and fatty acids, but in varying amounts. Multivitamin supplements help to fill in nutritional gaps and make up for the shortfalls that are not taken in through the diet. You should keep in mind that a multivitamin can’t in any way replace a healthy, well-balanced diet. These supplements are used for treating vitamin or mineral deficiencies caused by long-term poor nutrition digestive disorders, certain medications, chronic diseases, and many other health conditions.

There is no standard for what constitutes a multivitamin, so their nutrient composition varies by brand and product. Multivitamin supplements are available in many forms, including tablets, capsules, chewable gummies, powders, and liquids that can be found in pharmacies, large discount stores, and supermarkets, as well as online. They can be packaged as a specific combination of nutrients (B-complex, calcium with vitamin D) or as a comprehensive multivitamin that includes well-known nutrients like vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium, along with other nutrients like zinc, B6, B12, vitamin A, E, K, and D2 or D3. Consult with a healthcare provider before taking any multivitamin.

Benefits of Multivitamins

Taking multivitamin supplements in addition to maintaining a healthy lifestyle can set you up for long-term wellness. Here are some of the benefits of taking multivitamins.

Increased Energy Levels

Not eating enough nutrient-dense food that contains large amounts of vitamins and minerals can lead to fatigue and other health problems. Being tired all the time can be a sign of vitamin deficiency, so you can turn to multivitamin supplements for an energy boost. Taking multivitamins can help you stay alert and energized throughout the day. Keep in mind that they are no substitute for your body’s basic needs such as getting adequate sleep, eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly.

Improved Mood

Certain studies have shown that multivitamin supplements can combat depression and boost your mood. Getting enough vitamins and minerals can cause an increase of dopamine in your brain, lifting your spirits and making you more social and extroverted. They promote long-term happiness or ward off the nagging worry that you are trying to get rid of. B vitamins, in particular, play important roles in neurological function and mood regulation.

Improved memory

According to some studies, not getting enough vitamins, particularly vitamin B-12 deficiency, may be associated with an increased risk of dementia. Hence, a multivitamin or individual vitamin supplementation can improve your brain health and promise to enhance your memory and sharpen your attention and focus. B12 vitamin supplements and omega-3 fatty acids have been said to have a significant impact in supporting short-term memory function.

Lower risk of heart disease

Some observational and cohort studies have shown a link between heart health and intakes of certain vitamins. They suggest that vitamin supplementation is capable of improving the function of the heart and vessels. And while some studies have found that multivitamin supplements can lower the chance of having a heart attack or other related problem, others have failed to find such benefits. Overall, the evidence is mixed. But it’s important to remember that no vitamin can prevent the development of heart disease if you don’t control your other risk factors, such as a poor diet, smoking, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Reduced risk of cancer

Some studies link multivitamin use to a reduced risk of cancer. Long-term, daily multivitamin use can significantly lower the risk of cancer. Taking multivitamin supplements may mirror the benefits found in vitamin-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables. Others find no benefit and link multivitamin use to increased cancer risk. The evidence is mixed.

Uses of Multivitamins

There is no arguing that multivitamin supplements are necessary when nutritional requirements are not met through diet alone. Nutrient needs vary depending on gender and age, and certain groups may be at higher risk for a nutrient deficiency. The elderly, pregnant women, people with malabsorption disorders caused by their digestive system not working properly, all are at risk for poor food intake for various reasons. In such cases, using a comprehensive multivitamin pill or individual vitamin supplementation is truly a necessity.

Can multivitamins have side effects? When taken as directed, supplemental vitamins and minerals contained in a multivitamin are not supposed to cause serious side effects. But if taken in large doses, common side effects typically would include upset stomach, headache, and unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth. In addition, some supplements may contain ingredients that can interact with medications and hence cause an allergic reaction. So you should carefully read the label and follow the recommended dosage instructions. Consult with a healthcare provider before taking any multivitamin.