All You Need to Know About Multivitamins

Oct 08, 2016

What are Multivitamins?

Multivitamins are supplements containing a combination of different vitamins and sometimes, minerals. They provide an easy means of ensuring adequate daily vitamin intake and generally, multivitamins are taken once a day.

The Benefits of Multivitamins

Research has shown that there are various benefits of taking multivitamins on a daily basis. In this blog, we will highlight some of the perks of multivitamin intake and the benefits they provide for your body.

Help to Prevent Cancer, Osteoporosis and Heart Diseases

Several studies have shown evidence supporting the use of multivitamins and touting their health benefits. In 2002, the Harvard School of Medicine reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) that "it appears prudent for all adults to take vitamin supplements." The researchers examined articles spanning from 1966 to 2002 regarding the relationship between vitamin intake and various chronic diseases. They concluded that inadequate intake of many vitamins has been linked to the development of a variety of diseases including coronary heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis.

Help to Reduce Mortality

Multivitamins may even have a significant impact in reducing mortality. In July of 2000, the American Journal of Epidemiology examined over a million people in the U.S. and compared their mortality rates. Participants were divided based on multivitamin use and those who were supplemented with a multivitamin containing vitamins A, C, and E were found to have a significantly reduced risk of heart disease related deaths.

Improve Immunity

In a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2003, 130 participants were followed over the course of a year and given either a placebo or a multivitamin. According to the results, those taking the placebo reported a higher rate of illness while those taking the multivitamin reported less illness. This study suggests that the use of a multivitamin may have some protective qualities against diseases.

Promote Well-being

Consistent use of multivitamins has been shown to promote good health and general well being. Multivitamins are not intended to replace a healthy diet nor are they meant to correct a poor nutritional diet. Rather, multivitamins are meant to supplement one’s dietary intake to ensure there are no deficiencies.

Reduce Stress

Multivitamins can reduce stress; if taken in correct proportions, multivitamin supplements can effectively enhance mood. Regular intake can elevate routine mood conditions and can lower the risks of depression. A study carried out in U.S. in 2001, confirmed the predicted role of multivitamins in reducing stress and improving mood.

Children’s Multivitamins

Most experts agree that kids who eat a balanced diet should be getting all the vitamins and nutrients they need and supplementation may not be necessary. However, kids are often the pickiest eaters, refusing to eat vegetables and foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals and this makes it difficult, if not impossible, to maintain a balanced diet. Kids require many of the same vitamins that adults do, but in different amounts based on their age and condition. Some recent studies suggest that kids are not getting enough Vitamin D, which promotes tooth and bone formation and regulates the absorption of minerals like calcium. Other studies suggest that many kids aren’t getting enough iron, which is essential for the production of blood and building muscles, especially during periods of rapid growth. In addition to Vitamin D and iron, these are other crucial vitamins to include in your child’s diet:

Vitamin A

Vitamin A promotes normal growth, healthy skin, tissue repair, and vision.

B vitamins

The b-vitamin complex promotes red blood cell formation and assists in various metabolic activities.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps to strengthen connective tissues, assists in the healing of wounds and bones and helps prevent infections. For many youngsters, diet alone isn’t enough to provide these essential vitamins. Taken daily, and at recommended values, multivitamins for children are safe, provide all the essential vitamins and minerals their bodies need and may help to supplement an inadequate diet. Additionally, many pediatricians recommend multivitamins particularly for children who have erratic eating behaviors, poor appetite, or certain conditions that may result in a lack of particular essential vitamins and minerals. Every child’s needs are different and therefore, be sure to speak to your pediatrician to find out if daily multivitamins are right for your child. If you’re looking for a product that can provide your child with the necessary multivitamins, here is a children's multivitamin product to help your kids get all the necessary nutrients in one complete formula.

Dina Khairie, PharmD

Contact