Do you ever ask yourself: Should I take a multivitamin? A multivitamin is often considered necessary for almost everyone because it can help fill nutritional gaps in the diet, ensuring that the body receives essential micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) that may be lacking from food alone. There are several reasons why a multivitamin may be recommended. Below, six potential reasons may help you decide if a multivitamin is right for you.
(1) Incomplete Diets
Many people do not consume a well-balanced and varied diet that provides all the necessary nutrients. Poor dietary choices, busy lifestyles, and limited access to a variety of foods can contribute to nutritional deficiencies. In fact, a recent study suggests that because the typical diet fails to provide the needed nutrients, a multivitamin can help address these nutritional gaps. The authors go on to explain that not filling these nutritional voids can, over time, lead to various health issues.
(2) Specific Dietary Restrictions
Individuals with certain dietary restrictions, such as vegetarians or vegans, may have difficulty obtaining sufficient amounts of certain vitamins and minerals from plant-based sources alone. This has been supported in multiple studies, including this 2016 study. For instance, the researchers found that although those on a plant-based diet had above average numbers for many nutrients, some micronutrients such as vitamins B12 and D were deficient.
(3) Age-related Factors
As people age, their nutritional needs may change, and they may require additional vitamins and minerals. For example, older adults may have a reduced ability to absorb certain nutrients, and supplementation can help address these deficiencies. There are numerous age-related health issues that a multivitamin has been shown to help. For instance, in a systematic review and meta-analysis, it was found that multivitamins enhance immediate free recall memory, a performance adversely affecting older adults more so compared to their younger counterparts.
(4) Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions or medications may interfere with nutrient absorption or increase the body’s demand for specific vitamins and minerals. In such cases, a multivitamin can help meet these increased nutritional needs. While the research is ongoing, there are promising studies out there. One study, for instance, showed a reduction in a certain cancer and eye disease with regular intake of multivitamins.
(5) Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnant and breastfeeding women have increased nutritional requirements. A multivitamin with folic acid, iron, and other essential nutrients is often recommended to support the health of both the mother and the developing fetus. For many women, the importance of certain nutrients during pregnancy and lactation is not new knowledge. The research domain continues to show that as this information becomes more prevalent, the increased intake of vitamin and mineral supplementation follows suit.
(6) Stress and Lifestyle Factors
Individuals experiencing high levels of stress, engaging in intense physical activity, or exposed to environmental toxins may have increased nutrient requirements. A multivitamin can help support the body during times of increased demand. Whether it’s reducing stress, fatigue, or even confusion, among other things, study after study shows that multivitamins play a key role in these benefits.
While multivitamins can be beneficial, it’s important to note that they are not a substitute for a healthy and balanced diet. Whole foods provide a wide array of nutrients, along with other beneficial compounds that may not be present in supplement form. Before starting any supplementation, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to determine specific nutritional needs and potential interactions with medications or medical conditions.
