What happens if I take multivitamins everyday?

"Whenever my patients ask me about taking multivitamins, I tell them to consider taking one daily because there may in fact be benefits (though they have not been proven at this time) and there are no known risks to taking a daily multivitamin," Cherian says. "Multivitamins may help improve your memory and mood.

realsimple.com - Should You Take a Multivitamin? We Asked a Doctor - Real Simple

What are symptoms of high cortisol levels?

Too much cortisol can cause some of the hallmark signs of Cushing syndrome — a fatty hump between your shoulders, a rounded face, and pink or...

Last updated Oct 31, 2021

What foods boost testosterone and metabolism?

Fatty fish. Fatty fish like salmon and sardines are rich in nutrients that are important for hormonal health, such as vitamin D, zinc, and omega-3...

Last updated Jun 23, 2019

Promotion

It seems like common sense that taking a daily multivitamin is a smart move if you wish to stay healthy. A quick stroll down any pharmacy aisle turns up a dazzling array of bottles proclaiming to help with everything from anti-aging to cancer prevention. But how many of us know if we truly need to take a multivitamin?

Should everyone take a multivitamin, regardless of age and health status, or are these tablets only providing a false sense of security about our health? And how do we go about choosing the right vitamin for our needs if we decide to use supplements? We tapped Baltimore-based internal medicine physician Vivek Cherian, MD, to gain insight into the complicated multivitamin conundrum.

Are Multivitamins Good for You?

Nearly half of adults in the U.S. take a daily multivitamin; that number increases to 70% for adults over 70 years old. But does that mean a multivitamin should be part of everyone's daily health regimen? According to Dr. Cherian, the answer isn't a simple yes or no. "Most people take vitamins because they want to be on top of their health and make sure they're getting all the vitamins they need, in case they aren't getting enough from their regular diets," Cherian explains. "It may seem like common sense to be taking multivitamins, but there actually isn't much evidence that a daily cocktail of essential vitamins and minerals actually delivers what you expect." Most studies have found no significant benefit from taking a daily multivitamin to protect the brain or heart or prevent cancer. Despite the general claims that multivitamins are good for X or Y health goals, these are not necessarily backed by research yet. That said, Dr. Cherian adds there's no harm in taking multivitamins (they aren't "bad" for you), and the potential benefits may make them worth taking for some people. "Whenever my patients ask me about taking multivitamins, I tell them to consider taking one daily because there may in fact be benefits (though they have not been proven at this time) and there are no known risks to taking a daily multivitamin," Cherian says. "Multivitamins may help improve your memory and mood. Additionally, antioxidant vitamins and minerals may help slow the progression of certain diseases that cause blindness." The point: While the benefits are not yet proven, that doesn't mean they may not exist.

Who Do They Benefit?

If the consensus is that the risks are low, but the (potential) benefits are unproven, would certain individuals benefit from taking a multivitamin? According to Dr. Cherian, people who eat a healthy, balanced diet that incorporates whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and proteins, will likely obtain all the necessary vitamins, and a multivitamin won't be very beneficial.

Does a Panniculectomy include pubic area?

A panniculectomy only involves the removal of the pannus or the hanging skin OVER the pubic region. A panniculectomy does NOT include the removal...

Last updated Jul 8, 2019

What vitamins can boost metabolism?

B-12 is essential for the metabolism of proteins and fats . It needs B-6 and folate to work correctly. B-6 also helps metabolize protein. Thiamine...

Last updated May 21, 2021

Promotion

Unfortunately, this does not cover everyone. "A large percentage of Americans, however, don't get enough vitamin D and vitamin E only from their diet, so a multivitamin can be beneficial," Cherian explains. It can be hard to get the recommended amount of vitamin D and E through food alone, and vitamin D deficiency is especially problematic in populations that live in places with less sunlight during the winter. A multivitamin that includes these essential vitamins can help protect immune health and bone strength. Additionally, certain groups of individuals are also more prone to nutritional deficiencies. "Taking certain medications can lead to vitamin and or mineral deficiencies. To name some examples, commonly prescribed for high blood pressure (diuretics) can lead to low potassium, magnesium, and calcium levels. Certain acid reflux medications can also reduce the absorption of vitamin B12," says Dr. Cherian. Other groups of people that may require help reaching their nutritional needs include: Pregnant individuals: "Folate (Vitamin B9) is particularly important during the early stages of pregnancy to help assure proper development of the baby and decrease the chance of certain birth defects such as spina bifida. Prenatal vitamins contain this vitamin as well as other important nutrients for pregnancy." "Folate (Vitamin B9) is particularly important during the early stages of pregnancy to help assure proper development of the baby and decrease the chance of certain birth defects such as spina bifida. Prenatal vitamins contain this vitamin as well as other important nutrients for pregnancy." Older adults: "Vitamin B12 absorption can decrease with age, and older adults may need more calcium and vitamin D." "Vitamin B12 absorption can decrease with age, and older adults may need more calcium and vitamin D." Vegans and vegetarians: "As vitamin B12 is found primarily in animal foods, those who follow plant-based diets are at a higher risk of deficiency of this vitamin."

Tips for Choosing a Vitamin

If you decide to take a multivitamin, the options can be overwhelming. Here are a few factors and tips to consider when choosing the right one.

realsimple.com - Should You Take a Multivitamin? We Asked a Doctor - Real Simple

How many miles on treadmill is 10,000 steps?

five miles The health community encourages us to walk 10,000 steps – about five miles – per day. In America, adults take an average of 5,117 steps...

Last updated Apr 29, 2019

What should you never pour down the drain?

10 Things You Should Never Put Down the Drain Coffee Grounds. Since coffee grounds are not completely water-soluble, when grounds mix with butter,...

Last updated May 4, 2018

Promotion

What naturally tightens your skin?

Aloe Vera The gel found in an aloe vera leaf tightens the skin by improving its elasticity. It also stimulates collagen and hyaluronic acid...

Last updated Oct 27, 2021

Learn More »

Promotion

Does everyone lose weight on Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin is proven to be effective as an antidepressant, and it does also have weight loss as a potential side effect for some people. Sep 23, 2021

Last updated Jul 8, 2021