How long do multivitamins take to work. What are the potential side effects of multivitamins. When should you be concerned about taking multivitamins. How do multivitamins affect different age groups.

The Prevalence and Purpose of Multivitamin Supplements

Multivitamins have become a staple in many American households, with approximately one-third of adults incorporating them into their daily routines. These supplements serve various purposes, from enhancing overall health to safeguarding against nutrient deficiencies. But how effective are they, and should we be concerned about their use?

While multivitamins are widely available without prescription and generally perceived as safe, it’s crucial to understand their potential effects and risks. This article delves into the timespan of multivitamin effects, potential concerns, and the factors that influence their impact on our health.

Essential Nutrients and the Role of Multivitamins

Our bodies require at least 13 vitamins and 16 minerals for optimal functioning. Ideally, these nutrients should come from a well-balanced diet. However, multivitamins offer an alternative source for those struggling to meet their nutritional needs through food alone.

Are multivitamins always necessary? For individuals with balanced diets, supplementation may not be essential. However, certain groups, such as pregnant women, older adults, or those with specific health conditions, may benefit from targeted supplementation under medical guidance.

Safety of Multivitamins

Multivitamins that provide up to 100% of the daily Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) are generally considered safe and often free of side effects when taken as directed. However, it’s important to note that the body’s ability to absorb and utilize nutrients from supplements may differ from those obtained through food sources.

Common Side Effects of Multivitamins

While multivitamins are generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience side effects. What are the most common side effects associated with multivitamin use?

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Upset stomach
• Nausea

These gastrointestinal effects are typically mild and transient, often subsiding as the body adjusts to the supplement. However, if symptoms persist, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider for further guidance.

Rare Side Effects and Potential Risks

While less common, some individuals may experience more unusual side effects from multivitamin use. These can include:

• Headaches
• Nosebleeds
• Insomnia
• Gout

These rare side effects are more likely to occur when nutrient levels in the multivitamin exceed the daily safe upper limit (UL). It’s important to note that combining multivitamins with other supplements or consuming fortified foods may increase the risk of exceeding these limits.

Allergic Reactions to Multivitamins

In extremely rare cases, individuals may experience severe allergic reactions to certain components in multivitamins. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction can include:

• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat

If any of these symptoms occur after taking a multivitamin, immediate medical attention is crucial.

Multivitamin Effects on Children and Infants

Children may experience similar side effects to adults when taking multivitamins, but often at much lower doses. This increased sensitivity raises concerns about potential nutrient overdoses in children.

A recent study revealed that up to 65% of multivitamins marketed for infants and children contain nutrient levels above the safe upper limits (UL) for children. This finding highlights the importance of careful consideration when supplementing a child’s diet.

Risks of Nutrient Overdoses in Children

Children who consume multivitamins have a higher risk of exceeding the UL, particularly for certain nutrients:

• Vitamin A
• Folic acid
• Zinc

Iron-containing multivitamins pose a particular risk for children who don’t require iron supplementation. Iron overdose is a leading cause of poisoning in children 6 years old and under.

To mitigate these risks, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider before introducing any multivitamin supplement to a child’s regimen.

Regulation and Quality Control of Multivitamins

Despite their widespread use, multivitamins are not regulated in the same way as medications. This regulatory gap raises concerns about the accuracy of nutrient levels listed on labels and the potential for megadoses of certain nutrients.

Do all multivitamins contain the exact nutrient levels stated on their labels? Unfortunately, the lack of strict regulation means there’s a risk that some multivitamins may contain higher levels of nutrients than advertised. In some cases, nutrient levels may even reach or exceed the daily UL.

The Megadose Misconception

Some multivitamin manufacturers offer products with megadoses of certain nutrients, capitalizing on the belief that higher nutrient intake leads to better health outcomes. However, this approach can be potentially harmful, as extremely high doses of certain nutrients can have serious health implications.

Understanding Different Types of Nutrients in Multivitamins

Multivitamins generally contain three categories of nutrients, each with different characteristics and potential effects on the body:

1. Water-soluble vitamins
2. Fat-soluble vitamins
3. Minerals

Water-Soluble Vitamins

Water-soluble vitamins include B-complex vitamins and vitamin C. These vitamins dissolve in water and are generally not stored in the body for long periods. Excess amounts are typically excreted through urine.

While water-soluble vitamins are less likely to accumulate to toxic levels, extremely high doses can still cause side effects. For instance, high doses of vitamin C may lead to digestive issues, while excessive B6 intake can cause nerve damage.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K. These vitamins are stored in the body’s fatty tissues and liver, which means they can accumulate over time. This accumulation increases the risk of toxicity if consumed in excess.

Overconsumption of fat-soluble vitamins can lead to various health issues. For example, excessive vitamin A intake may cause liver damage, while high levels of vitamin D can lead to calcium buildup in the blood.

Minerals

Minerals in multivitamins can be divided into two categories: macrominerals and trace minerals. Macrominerals, such as calcium and magnesium, are needed in larger amounts, while trace minerals like iron and zinc are required in smaller quantities.

Both macro and trace minerals can be harmful if consumed in excess. For instance, too much iron can cause organ damage, while excessive zinc intake may interfere with copper absorption.

Timespan of Multivitamin Effects

The timespan of multivitamin effects can vary depending on several factors, including individual nutrient status, absorption rates, and specific vitamins or minerals involved.

Short-Term Effects

Some effects of multivitamins may be noticeable within a short period:

• Increased energy levels (often attributed to B-vitamins)
• Improved mood
• Enhanced immune function

These effects can sometimes be felt within days or weeks of starting a multivitamin regimen. However, it’s important to note that these perceived benefits may also be due to a placebo effect in some cases.

Long-Term Effects

The long-term effects of multivitamin use are more challenging to measure and may take months or even years to manifest. These effects can include:

• Improved bone health (from calcium and vitamin D)
• Better cardiovascular health
• Reduced risk of certain nutrient deficiencies

It’s crucial to remember that while multivitamins can support overall health, they are not a substitute for a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle habits.

Factors Influencing Multivitamin Effectiveness

Several factors can influence the effectiveness of multivitamins and the timespan of their effects:

Individual Nutrient Status

A person’s existing nutrient status plays a significant role in how quickly they might notice effects from a multivitamin. Those with deficiencies may experience more rapid and noticeable improvements compared to individuals with adequate nutrient levels.

Absorption Rates

The body’s ability to absorb nutrients from multivitamins can vary. Factors affecting absorption include:

• Age
• Digestive health
• Medications
• Form of the supplement (e.g., tablet, capsule, liquid)

Quality and Composition of the Multivitamin

The quality and specific formulation of a multivitamin can impact its effectiveness. Factors to consider include:

• Bioavailability of nutrients
• Presence of fillers or additives
• Combination of nutrients (some may enhance or inhibit the absorption of others)

When to Be Concerned About Multivitamin Use

While multivitamins are generally safe for most people, there are situations where concern may be warranted:

Persistent Side Effects

If you experience ongoing digestive issues, headaches, or other side effects that don’t subside after a few weeks of use, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider.

Interactions with Medications

Certain multivitamins can interact with medications. For example, vitamin K can interfere with blood thinners, while iron supplements may reduce the effectiveness of some antibiotics. Always inform your healthcare provider about any supplements you’re taking.

Overconsumption of Specific Nutrients

If you’re combining multivitamins with other supplements or consuming many fortified foods, you may be at risk of exceeding safe nutrient levels. This is particularly concerning for fat-soluble vitamins and certain minerals.

Unexpected Symptoms

If you experience any unusual symptoms after starting a multivitamin regimen, such as rapid heartbeat, vision changes, or severe fatigue, seek medical attention promptly.

Optimizing Multivitamin Use for Maximum Benefit

To ensure you’re getting the most out of your multivitamin supplement while minimizing potential risks, consider the following tips:

Choose a Reputable Brand

Look for multivitamins from well-established companies that undergo third-party testing for quality and purity. Certifications from organizations like USP (United States Pharmacopeia) can provide additional assurance.

Tailor Your Supplement to Your Needs

Consider your age, gender, diet, and specific health concerns when selecting a multivitamin. Some formulations are designed for specific populations, such as older adults or pregnant women.

Time Your Intake Correctly

Some nutrients are better absorbed when taken with food, while others may be more effective on an empty stomach. Follow the instructions on the label or consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Monitor Your Overall Nutrient Intake

Keep track of the nutrients you’re getting from your diet, including fortified foods, to avoid excessive intake when combined with your multivitamin.

Regular Health Check-ups

Regular medical check-ups and blood tests can help ensure you’re not developing any nutrient imbalances or experiencing adverse effects from long-term multivitamin use.

By understanding the potential effects, timespan, and concerns associated with multivitamin use, you can make informed decisions about incorporating these supplements into your health regimen. Remember, while multivitamins can be beneficial, they should complement, not replace, a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Timespan and When to Be Concerned

Multivitamins are one of the most commonly used supplements in the United States — around one-third of adults currently take them (1).

People who take multivitamins often do so to improve or maintain their health, protect themselves against nutrient deficiencies, or simply make up for the odd nutrient gap in their diet (1).

You can purchase multivitamins without a prescription, and most people view them as safe, which might explain their popularity. Despite this, multivitamins are not risk-free.

This article discusses whether you should be concerned about taking multivitamins. It reviews the potential side effects of multivitamins and which ingredients may cause them.

Your body needs to consume at least 13 vitamins and 16 minerals regularly to function properly.

A well-balanced diet is the best way to obtain these nutrients. That said, multivitamins provide a good alternative source for those who are unable to meet their nutrient requirements through diet alone.

Multivitamins that provide up to 100% of the daily Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) are generally considered safe and often free of side effects, as long as you take them as directed.

Nonetheless, some people may still experience a few side effects when taking multivitamins. Some side effects are more common than others (2, 3).

Common side effects

Certain side effects are more likely to occur than others when you’re taking multivitamins. These include (2, 3):

• constipation
• diarrhea
• upset stomach
• nausea

These gut-related side effects are generally minor and often temporary. They tend to disappear as your body gets used to taking the multivitamin.

Nevertheless, contact your healthcare provider for further assistance if your symptoms persist.

Rare side effects

Rarer side effects of multivitamins include (2, 3):

• headaches
• nosebleeds
• insomnia
• gout

These typically occur very infrequently, especially if the dosage of nutrients in your multivitamin does not exceed the daily safe upper limit (UL).

However, people who combine multivitamins with other supplements or eat significant amounts of fortified foods may exceed the UL for certain nutrients. This may increase their risk of side effects (4).

Food companies sometimes add nutrients to foods during the manufacturing process. These are fortified foods.

Some people may also experience severe allergic reactions to certain multivitamins, although this is very rare.

If you notice hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat after taking a multivitamin, seek emergency medical help immediately.

Side effects in infants and children

Side effects in children are similar to those that adults may experience. However, children are likely to experience them at much lower doses than adults.

In other words, children who take multivitamins may have a higher risk of consuming extremely high levels of nutrients, which can lead to nutrient overdoses and even death in severe cases.

Companies market many multivitamins specifically for infants and children. However, a recent study suggests that up to 65% of them contain nutrient levels above the safe upper limits (UL) for children (5).

This may explain why experts report that children who consume multivitamins have a high risk of exceeding the UL, particularly for vitamin A, folic acid, and zinc (4).

Giving your child an iron-containing multivitamin when they don’t need it may also cause them to overdose on iron. Scientists consider this to be a lead cause of poisoning in children 6 years old and under (4).

To reduce the risk of side effects or toxic overdoses, make sure to consult your healthcare provider before giving your child a multivitamin.

Summary

Multivitamins are generally safe as long as they provide nutrient levels that fall within the DRI guidelines. Some people experience gut-related side effects when they first start taking a multivitamin, but these usually resolve quickly. Other side effects are rare.

The National Institutes of Health asserts that multivitamins providing nutrient levels that fall close to their DRI shouldn’t cause serious side effects. However, it’s important to note that the government doesn’t regulate multivitamins in the same way as it does medications (4).

This means there’s a risk that a multivitamin could contain higher levels of nutrients than its label states. Nutrient levels in some multivitamins may sometimes even reach or exceed the daily UL.

Others offer megadoses of certain nutrients that purposefully exceed the UL recommendations, capitalizing on some people’s belief that the more nutrients you ingest, the better the health effects.

Megadoses of some nutrients may not be particularly harmful, but extremely high doses of certain nutrients can seriously harm your health (4).

Nutrients to watch out for

Multivitamins generally contain three categories of nutrients:

• Water-soluble vitamins. These can dissolve in water and don’t usually accumulate in the body nor cause severe side effects if you take them in excess (e.g., B vitamins, vitamin C).
• Fat-soluble vitamins. These dissolve in fat and accumulate in the body, reaching toxic levels and potentially causing havoc if you take them in excess (e.g., vitamins A, D, E, and K).
• Minerals. These are inorganic elements that can accumulate in the body and sometimes cause harmful effects if you take them in excess (e.g., iron, iodine, zinc, copper, and selenium).

Some of these cause more side effects at higher dosages than others. The sections below highlight the nutrients from each category that may be particularly harmful if you take them at high doses.

Water-soluble vitamins

Excess intakes of water-soluble vitamins don’t typically cause severe side effects, even when intakes are close to the UL.

This is because your body tends to flush out excess intakes of these vitamins through your urine. Still, intakes that are several times over the UL may result in a variety of issues.

For instance, vitamin C intakes that are three times larger than the UL may cause cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or migraines (6, 7).

Excess vitamin B3, also known as niacin, starting from intakes three times above the current UL may result in stomach pain, high blood pressure, vision problems, and liver damage (8).

Similarly, taking vitamin B6 at 10 times above the UL over the long term has been linked to skin lesions, light sensitivity, heartburn, and neurological problems (9).

Finally, excess intakes of vitamin B9, also known as folic acid, may weaken the immune system, cause neurological problems, and mask a severe vitamin B12 deficiency (10).

Fat-soluble vitamins

Multivitamins that offer large amounts of fat-soluble vitamins can be harmful, as excess levels of these vitamins can build up in the body.

For instance, excess intakes of vitamin A may cause headaches, liver damage, weaker bones, and birth defects (11).

Smokers and former smokers may especially benefit from avoiding multivitamins containing high amounts of vitamin A or beta carotene, which the body can convert into vitamin A. Getting too much of these nutrients may increase the risk of lung cancer (1, 4, 11).

Similarly, taking too much vitamin D, either due to manufacturing errors or taking an inappropriately high dosage, may result in nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, cognitive problems, heart problems, kidney failure, and even death in severe cases (12).

Moreover, excess amounts of vitamin E may result in bleeding, diarrhea, weakness, blurred vision, and fertility problems (1, 13).

As for vitamin K, research has not found excessive intakes to cause too many problems. However, this vitamin can interact with various medications, including antibiotics and blood thinners.

People currently taking medications should let their healthcare provider know if they’re taking a multivitamin containing vitamin K (14).

Minerals

Like fat-soluble vitamins, minerals can accumulate in the body if you take them in excess, possibly causing harmful effects.

For instance, overly high intakes of certain minerals, such as iron, copper, magnesium, and zinc, can cause stomach upset, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and headaches (4, 15, 16, 17, 18).

Excess iron intake is particularly harmful because it may also cause liver problems.

For this reason, authorities advise adult men and postmenopausal women to avoid taking multivitamins that contain 18 mg of iron or more unless their healthcare provider advises them to do so (19).

Multivitamins containing high levels of iron, copper, and zinc may also prevent the body from absorbing other nutrients you consume (15, 16, 17).

Multivitamins containing too much iodine can cause thyroid problems. On the other hand, those with too much selenium may cause garlic-like breath, hair loss, brittle nails, or a metallic taste in the mouth (20, 21).

Selenium intakes above the UL may also cause severe neurological symptoms, kidney failure, and heart issues (21).

DRIs and ULs for each nutrient of concern

Most of the side effects mentioned in this article occur after a person consumes nutrient amounts that exceed the current upper levels (ULs).

Every nutrient has a UL at which scientists believe it becomes toxic. Exceeding a nutrient’s UL can lead to an overdose and severe side effects, such as liver damage and even death.

The following chart outlines both the DRI and UL for each nutrient of concern for adults.

Specific recommendations for infants and children vary widely based on their age. You can find more information in these exhaustive nutrient tables (22).

	DRI for adult men	DRI for adult women	UL
Vitamin A	900 mcg retinol activity equivalents (RAE)	700 mcg RAE	3,000 international units (IU)
Vitamin B3 (niacin)	16 mg niacin equivalents (NE)	14 mg NE	35 mg*
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)	1. 3 mg	1.3 mg	100 mg
Vitamin B9 (folate)	400 mcg dietary folate equivalents (DFE)	400 mcg DFE	1,000 mcg*
Vitamin C	90 mg	75 mg	2,000 mg
Vitamin D	600 IU	600 IU	4,000 IU
Vitamin E	15 mg	15 mg	1,000 mg*
Vitamin K	120 mcg	90 mcg	No UL established
Copper	900 mcg	900 mcg	10,000 mcg
Iodine	150 mcg	150 mcg	1,100 mcg
Iron	10 mg	18 mg	45 mg
Magnesium	420 mg	320 mg	350 mg*
Selenium	55 mcg	55 mcg	400 mcg
Zinc	11 mg	8 mg	40 mg

*Applies only to synthetic forms from supplements, fortified foods, or a
combination of the two.

It’s important to note that there’s no DRI available for folic acid, the synthetic form of vitamin B9 that you can find in multivitamins.

The form of vitamin B9 in the table above is called folate, and you can get it from natural sources — not multivitamins.

However, studies have found that dosages of the synthetic folic acid of more than 1,000 mcg per day may be associated with a range of negative health consequences in several populations (23, 24, 25).

Currently, researchers don’t fully understand the effects and safety of long-term intakes of vitamin or mineral dosages that fall between the DRI and UL. Therefore, scientists need to do more research on this topic.

Until more is known, it’s likely safest to avoid supplements that offer nutrient levels that exceed their DRIs.

Summary

Consuming multivitamins that contain nutrient levels exceeding the daily UL may result in an array of side effects. Scientists need to conduct more research to evaluate the effects of nutrient intakes that fall between the DRI and UL.

Multivitamins may also become contaminated with harmful compounds, such as arsenic or lead (26, 27).

When you ingest these harmful compounds in large amounts or over a longer period of time, they may cause a variety of health issues, including physical, muscular, and neurological problems, as well as birth defects (26, 28).

It’s impossible to identify whether a multivitamin contains these harmful compounds by looking at its label alone.

However, some manufacturers opt to get their supplements verified by third-party labs, which can confirm whether they’re free of contaminants and that they truly contain what the label states.

Some examples of independent supplement testing companies include ConsumerLab, NSF International, and U.S. Pharmacopeia.

Summary

Multivitamins can become contaminated with harmful compounds, such as arsenic or lead. To minimize this risk, consider choosing multivitamins that a third-party lab has independently tested.

Depending on the nutrient and its dosage, some side effects may occur very quickly, while others may take a longer time to develop (11).

For instance, taking a very high dose of one or multiple nutrients may cause gut symptoms that generally develop shortly after taking the supplement (15, 16, 17).

However, more severe side effects may develop over time as excess amounts of nutrients or unwanted contaminants gradually accumulate in the body. These longer-term side effects may include birth defects and liver, heart, and cognitive issues (11, 20, 21, 27, 28).

If you think you’re experiencing any side effects, make sure to bring them up with your healthcare provider as promptly as possible.

Summary

The speed at which you may experience side effects depends on the type and dosage of nutrient you consumed. Make sure to discuss any side effects with your healthcare provider as soon as you notice them.

Multivitamins can be helpful for those who are unable to reach their daily nutrient needs through diet alone.

However, multivitamins cannot replace a balanced diet, and taking them in high amounts may result in side effects ranging from mild stomach upset to severe liver and heart problems.

Like many supplements, multivitamins are not strictly regulated and may contain much higher levels of nutrients than the label states. Depending on the nutrient, this will influence the speed and severity at which you may experience side effects.

You can minimize your risk by only taking multivitamins when you truly need them. Opt for ones that contain nutrient levels close to the current DRIs and have been tested by a third-party lab.

Is There Really Any Benefit to Multivitamins?

Half of all American adults—including 70 percent of those age 65 and older—take a multivitamin or another vitamin or mineral supplement regularly. The total price tag exceeds $12 billion per year—money that Johns Hopkins nutrition experts say might be better spent on nutrient-packed foods like fruit, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products.

In an editorial in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine titled “Enough Is Enough: Stop Wasting Money on Vitamin and Mineral Supplements,” Johns Hopkins researchers reviewed evidence about supplements, including three very recent studies:

• An analysis of research involving 450,000 people, which found that multivitamins did not reduce risk for heart disease or cancer.
• A study that tracked the mental functioning and multivitamin use of 5,947 men for 12 years found that multivitamins did not reduce risk for mental declines such as memory loss or slowed-down thinking.
• A study of 1,708 heart attack survivors who took a high-dose multivitamin or placebo for up to 55 months. Rates of later heart attacks, heart surgeries and deaths were similar in the two groups.

Will a Daily Vitamin Help Keep Your Heart Healthy?

Is a daily vitamin necessary? Get the answer from Johns Hopkins physician Edgar Miller III.

The Vitamin Verdict

The researchers concluded that multivitamins don’t reduce the risk for heart disease, cancer, cognitive decline (such as memory loss and slowed-down thinking) or an early death. They also noted that in prior studies, vitamin E and beta-carotene supplements appear to be harmful, especially at high doses.

“Pills are not a shortcut to better health and the prevention of chronic diseases,” says Larry Appel, M.D., director of the Johns Hopkins Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research. “Other nutrition recommendations have much stronger evidence of benefits—eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing the amount of saturated fat, trans fat, sodium and sugar you eat.”

The exception is supplemental folic acid for women of child-bearing potential, Appel says. “Folic acid prevents neural tube defects in babies when women take it before and during early pregnancy. That’s why multivitamins are recommended for young women.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all women of reproductive age get 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. The amount of iron in a multivitamin may also be beneficial for women of child-bearing potential, Appel adds.

“I don’t recommend other supplements,” Appel says. “If you follow a healthy diet, you can get all of the vitamins and minerals you need from food.”

What the Experts Do

Healthy Food Instead of Supplements

“I don’t take any supplements routinely,” says Larry Appel, M.D., director of the Johns Hopkins Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research. “I try to eat three healthy meals a day to get the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients I need. ” How he does it:

• Plenty of produce. “I aim for two or more servings of fruits or vegetables at every meal,” he says. “I enjoy salads and have one for lunch or dinner several times a week.”
• Low-fat dairy and whole grains. “Low-fat or fat-free milk and yogurt provide calcium, magnesium, potassium and other nutrients,” he says. “I have cereal with milk for breakfast a few times a week. And I have yogurt sometimes too.”
• Protein. “At home we usually have fish or chicken for dinner. I am not a vegetarian; rather, I eat minimal meat,” Appel says. Some fish, such as salmon, are a good source of healthful omega-3 fatty acids.

Definitions

Whole grains: Grains such as whole wheat, brown rice and barley still have their fiber-rich outer shell, called the bran, and inner germ. It provides vitamins, minerals and good fats. Choosing whole grain side dishes, cereals, breads and more may lower the risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer and improve digestion, too.

Saturated fat: A type of fat found in abundance in butter, whole milk, ice cream, full-fat cheese, fatty meats, poultry skin, and palm and coconut oils. Saturated fat raises levels of heart-threatening LDL cholesterol in your bloodstream. It can also interfere with your body’s ability to absorb blood sugar easily. Limiting saturated fat can help control your risk for heart disease.

Omega-3 fatty acids (oh-may-ga three fah-tee a-sids): Healthy polyunsaturated fats that the body uses to build brain-cell membranes. They’re considered essential fats because our body needs them but can’t make them on its own; we must take them in through food or supplements. A diet rich in omega-3s—found in fatty fish, like salmon, tuna and mackerel, as well as in walnuts, flaxseed and canola oil—and low in saturated fats may help protect against heart disease, stroke, cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.

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Multivitamins: is there any benefit from them, or is it a waste of money?

June 21, 2021

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Half of American adults and 70% of those over 65 regularly take multivitamin and mineral supplements, spending about $12 billion a year on them.

It would be better to spend it on healthy foods that contain all the vitamins and minerals that a person needs in a natural form, such as vegetables and fruits, whole grains and low-fat dairy products, say Johns Hopkins University experts.

• Why vitamin supplements don’t work and can be deadly
• “Vitamin drips” in schools and hairdressers. Why are they dangerous?
• Scientists: multivitamins are not needed during pregnancy

Multivitamins (or multivitamins) are preparations containing several vitamins, sometimes together with trace elements, in one capsule.

In an editorial in the Annals of Internal Medicine entitled “Enough: Stop Throwing Money on Multivitamin and Mineral Supplements,” they reported on the results of three studies they conducted. Here are the main findings:

• Analysis of 450 thousand people shows that multivitamins do not reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer
• Follow-up of 5947 men over 12 years showed that they do not reduce the risk of cognitive and memory degradation
• Among 1708 people heart attack survivors, of whom one group took high doses of multivitamins for 55 months, and the other placebo, the number of repeated heart attacks, heart operations and deaths was about the same

Researchers have also found that vitamin E and beta-carotene supplements can be harmful, especially at high doses.

“Pills are not a shortcut to health and chronic disease prevention,” says Larry Appel, director of the Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research at Johns Hopkins University. and salt.”

The exception is folic acid supplements for women of childbearing age, he points out. “Folic acid prevents neural tube defects in babies if the mother takes it before and in early pregnancy. Therefore, a multivitamin is recommended for young women.”

The Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research advises all women of reproductive age to take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. The iron found in multivitamins can also be good for them, adds Larry Appel.

“I don’t recommend anything else,” he says. “If you eat a healthy diet, you’ll get all the vitamins and minerals you need from food.”

M.D. diet

Image copyright, Getty Images

“I don’t take any supplements,” said Larry Appel. for dinner”.

“Skim milk and yogurt contain calcium, magnesium, potassium, so I have whole grain porridge with milk for breakfast several times a week and often eat yogurt.”

“At home, we usually have fish or chicken for dinner, which contains the necessary proteins. I’m not a vegetarian, I just try to eat less meat. Some types of fish, such as salmon, are rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids.”

Other advice and what Hopkins University scientists do not advise

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Whole Grains: Wheat, brown rice, and barley grains contain vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Whole-grain breads and cereals reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, and improve digestion.

Omega-3 fatty acids: They are indispensable for the construction of brain cell membranes. The body does not produce them itself and must receive them from the environment. They are abundant in salmon, tuna, and mackerel, as well as nuts, flaxseed, and rapeseed oil. An appropriate diet reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and intestinal inflammation.

Saturated fat: Found in excess in butter, whole milk, full fat cheese, ice cream, fatty meats, poultry skins, palm oil, and coconut oil. Contribute to the accumulation of cholesterol in the vessels, adversely affect the absorption of sugar in the blood. Reducing the intake of saturated fat is a means of preventing cardiovascular disease.

However, it is possible that not everyone will agree with the recommendations of experts at Johns Hopkins University regarding the optimal diet. The views of some modern nutritionists and their conclusions about the benefits of a number of products, in particular, dairy, low-fat and cereals, differ from traditional recommendations.

Multivitamin complex – instructions for use, doses, side effects, reviews of the drug:

Analogs

All forms of release, dosages, registration certificates, drug manufacturers, drug characteristics

Product description Multivitamin complex (tablets) based on the official instructions, approved by the manufacturer in 2008

Approval date: 12/28/2008

Content

• Active substance
• ATX
• Pharmacological group
• Instruction
• Storage conditions
• Best before date
• Reviews

Active ingredient

Multivitamins (Multivitamins)

ATX

A11JC Vitamins, combinations

Pharmacological group

Vitamins and vitamin-like products

Manual

Pharma action. Combined preparation, the action of which is due to the effects of the vitamins included in its composition.

Indications. Prevention of hypovitaminosis. Conditions accompanied by an increased need for vitamins: during the period of convalescence after serious illness, during periods of increased physical and mental stress, during pregnancy and lactation, malnutrition or unbalanced nutrition, reduction diets, to improve metabolism and general condition in the elderly and senile age (in part of complex therapy).

Contraindications. Hypersensitivity, hypervitaminosis A and D, children under 10 years of age.

Dosing regimen. Inside, after meals: adults – 1 tab. 3 times a day, children 11-14 years old – 2 tablets. per day. Tablets should be chewed and washed down with a small amount of liquid. The course of treatment is 20 days. If necessary, repeat the course after 2 months.

Side effects. Skin allergic reactions (urticaria).