Life nowadays is busier than ever. People have limited time to prepare and enjoy healthy meals and spend time on exercise to maintain a healthy and fit body. In such circumstances, it might seem easy to quickly take a multivitamin every day to fill the nutrition gap that may affect your health and well-being negatively.
Thousands of people around the world have the habit of consuming a multivitamin every single day. However, a lot of them are unaware of the answer to the question—do multivitamins work and whether they really need to have them?
In this blog post, let us give you an answer to this question so you can decide if multivitamins are something you really need or are good without them.
What Are Multivitamins?
Vitamins and minerals play an important role in maintaining the health and well-being of your body. These are essential for growth and development, maintaining a healthy immune system, and are required for different bodily processes.
Multivitamins are supplements in the form of tablets, capsules, liquids, or gummies. These contain different vitamins and minerals required by the body for proper functioning and must be taken every day. Each dose is meant to help a person meet the daily dietary allowance of these vitamins and minerals and not fall short of them.
Multivitamins are offered by different brands in the market. However, these are not regulated as strictly as prescription medications, and there is no standardisation. Hence, multivitamins may have different compositions with higher or lower nutritional content compared to other brands.
How Can Multivitamins Help?
Multivitamins are said to have the following benefits:
- Boosts immunity
- Supports eye health
- Stronger bones
- Improves brain function
- Maintains energy levels
- Promotes good skin and hair
- May reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer
But, Do Multivitamins Work for Real?
Now let’s find the answer to the main question – Do multivitamin tablets work?
Many healthy individuals take multivitamins. However, people who are healthy and consume a well-balanced diet may not derive additional benefits by taking them on a regular basis.
Until today, researchers have conducted several studies to check the correlation between multivitamins and chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and cancer. The results obtained are mixed and insufficient to conclude that taking multivitamins every day reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Similar observations were noticed regarding the effectiveness of multivitamins in providing cognitive benefits or improving longevity.
So, while some experts consider multivitamins as a means to supply lacking nutrients, there are others who are not very inclined to using them, unless necessary.
Then, Who Should Take Multivitamins?
Although the benefits of multivitamins for otherwise healthy individuals remain unclear, there are some groups of people who can benefit from a daily multivitamin.
A multivitamin can be beneficial in the following cases:
- Individuals who follow restricted diets, such as vegan diet
- People with poor diets who do not consume a balanced and nutrient-rich diet
- People who are on medications that hinder nutrient absorption
- People who suffer from malabsorption
- Individuals who have undergone weight loss surgery
As people in these groups may not receive vital vitamins and minerals through food, their doctor may suggest a multivitamin tablet, capsule, or another preferred form to cover up for the missing nutrients and reduce the chances of developing a deficiency.
Side Effects and Risks of Taking Multivitamins
While safe for consumption, multivitamins may cause side effects in some individuals. Common side effects affect the gut, are mild, and get better in a few days as the body gets used to the multivitamin. These include:
- Nausea
- Stomach upset
- Loose stools or diarrhoea
- Constipation
Other side effects that are not as common are:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Headache
- Nosebleeds
If you notice any of the side effects mentioned above or experience anything unusual after taking a multivitamin, get in touch with your doctor for an evaluation.
In addition, keep in mind that multivitamins containing high amounts of biotin may cause acne in some individuals.
People who have a habit of smoking must skip multivitamins with high amounts of vitamin A, as it may increase lung cancer risk. And expectant mothers must keep a check on their daily vitamin A intake if they are taking a multivitamin, as too much of the vitamin may lead to congenital disabilities in the developing baby.
Before You Take a Multivitamin
Though multivitamins are usually safe for consumption when taken in appropriate doses, one must not neglect the fact that these are not strictly regulated and can have risks and side effects. So, before you start taking a multivitamin:
1. Tell your doctor about your plan and determine if you really need a multivitamin.
2. Share details about your diet to help them identify if you might be deficient in certain vitamins and minerals.
3. Inform your doctor about other supplements and medications you might be taking.
4. Work with a dietician to maintain a safe intake of vitamins and minerals once you start a multivitamin.
5. Buy a good-quality multivitamin (with third-party testing) as suggested by your doctor to ensure the safety and efficacy of the product.
Final Verdict
Multivitamins, like Zincovit Tablet, are supplements that help in reducing the nutritional gap by providing essential vitamins and minerals to the body.
Though a lot of people don’t mind taking a pill every day to ensure a healthy life, it is important to note that there is limited evidence suggesting the effectiveness and benefits of multivitamins for healthy individuals.
Multivitamins are found to be more beneficial for people with poor or restrictive diets or those who have trouble absorbing these vital nutrients. Hence, before you join the bandwagon of multivitamin users, it is advisable to talk to your doctor or a healthcare provider to determine if you are the right candidate to take multivitamins regularly or not.
FAQs
Is it good to take multivitamin tablets daily?
If you have your doctor’s consent, taking a good multivitamin can be beneficial for your overall health.
Do doctors recommend multivitamins?
Doctors recommend multivitamins only if they think they are necessary for improving the health condition of a particular individual.
What happens to your body when you start taking multivitamins?
You may notice an improvement in your immunity, your hair and skin, and your energy levels after you start taking multivitamins.
How do I know if I need a multivitamin?
The best person to determine if you need a multivitamin, is your doctor. Talk to them if you are concerned about not getting enough vitamins and minerals through diet.
What is the use of Zincovit Tablet?
Zincovit Tablet is a multivitamin and multimineral supplement and is used to manage deficiencies, loss of appetite, fatigue, and more.
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Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/do-multivitamins-work#downsides
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/do-multivitamins-make-you-healthier
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/multivitamins-are-they-worth-it
