Multivitamins are supplements that contain essential vitamins and minerals at close levels to the recommended daily requirements. However, not all multivitamins offer complete vitamins and minerals needed as some only have three instead of the complete set.
According to John Hopkins nutrition experts, around 70% of 65 years old and above American adults take multivitamins or other supplements regularly.
But does it really benefit the people taking it? Many studies suggest that those taking multivitamins do not significantly differ from those who do not take vitamins in terms of risks in developing diseases.
Multivitamins Do Not Reduce the Risks of Developing Diseases
Most studies so far did not prove that taking multivitamins does or does not have any health benefits. Usually, people taking these supplements have a higher educational level, income, lower BMI, and higher physical activities. These are already factors of having better health.
Science Alert reported that the largest observational study that looked into 160,000 postmenopausal women from 50 to 79 found no link between taking multivitamins with the risk of developing diseases like cancer, heart diseases, or dying earlier.
Moreover, a systematic review of a meta-analysis of 18 observational studies suggests that there is no association between multivitamins and cardiovascular diseases and mortality.
Additionally, John Hopkins nutrition experts also had the same results. In an editorial they posted in the Annals of Internal Medicine, they described how taking multivitamins do not reduce the risks of developing heart diseases, cancer, cognitive decline, and early death compared to the placebo group.
Also, men who take multivitamins saw no benefit compared to men taking a placebo. But further analysis showed that those men who take vitamins are 8% less likely to develop cancer. However, these men were also the ones who did not lower their risk of dying earlier.
The World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research recommend against taking multivitamins to prevent cancer because of its unknown real benefits and possible potential of unexpected adverse effects on the body.
High doses of antioxidants may reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, but a high dosage of this comes without any risk.
Read Also: Fortified Shellfish May Reduce Vitamin Deficiency Around the World
Who Are Advised to Take Multivitamins?
Multivitamins may not be that beneficial to everyone. However, the CDC recommends pregnant women and those women in the reproductive age to take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day to prevent brain defects like anencephaly and spina bifida on babies.
Furthermore, multivitamins can also help some people obtain recommended daily nutrient requirements. These people include those who have inadequate food intakes like the elderly or those on restricted diets; people following a vegan diet as they usually miss some nutrients like B12; chronic abusers of alcohol; those who underwent weight-loss surgery; and those who have problems in absorbing nutrients.
Although multivitamins do not offer health benefits for the general population, they have their use on people with mineral deficiencies, according to Science Alert. But doctors recommend changing the diet rather than reaching for supplements. For the worst-case scenario, it is best to visit a doctor or a dietician.
Read More: Study Showing Vitamin D Reducing Chest Infections by 50% Sparks Hope it Could Help Fight Coronavirus
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