Multivitamins are dietary supplements and throughout the decades, there has been an increase in their use (Palsdottir, 2021). Minerals and vitamins are contained within multivitamins, where liquids, gummies, and tablets are common forms of availability (Palsdottir, 2021). Palsdottir (2021) states that “some people believe that multivitamins can improve health, compensate for poor eating habits, and even reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases” ( p.1). He outlines that the proper operation of organs and nerves, immunity development, and hormone and enzyme production are assisted through the work of 15 minerals and 13 vitamins, and indicates that bodily regulation, growth, and reproduction are aided by these nutrients (Palsdottir, 2021).
“Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate dietary supplements as strictly as it regulates prescription drugs, some may contain higher or lower levels of some nutrients than stated on the label” (Palsdottir, 2021, p.1). When a new supplement is being started, a healthcare provider should be consulted as medications can react with ingredients in the supplements, and it is critical that trusted manufacturers be used for vitamin purchase as synthetic derivation of the multivitamin nutrients may be used (Palsdottir, 2021).
Heart disease can be prevented with multivitamins as believed by some; however, conclusive support is not provided through research (Palsdottir, 2021). In addition, the risk of cancer may escalate with multivitamins as proclaimed in some studies, or may not depend on multivitamins according to other studies (Palsdottir, 2021). Swedish residents took part in a case-control study to assess the myocardial infarction risk in relation to multivitamin consumption at low doses (Holmquist et al., 2003). Results indicated that myocardial infarction prevention may be aided by multivitamins taken at low doses. Postmenopausal women participated in a study where mortality, cardiovascular disease, and cancer risk in relation to the use of multivitamins were examined (Neuhouser et al., 2009). Results indicated that mortality, cardiovascular disease, and common cancers were not impacted, or impacted to a small degree by multivitamins.
For more than a decade, patient trials were reviewed by the University of Colorado, and health issues demonstrated a higher probability amongst mineral and vitamin consumers (Guardian News and Media Limited, 2022). “More than the recommended dosage beta carotene – a supplement advertised as a boost to the immune system – was found to increase the risk of developing lung cancer and heart disease by up to 20%, according to the study” (Guardian News and Media Limited, 2022, para. 3).
Harmful effects such as vitamin A toxicity can occur through excessive use of multivitamins, and congenital disabilities are associated with high consumption of Vitamin A signifying a concern for pregnant individuals (Palsdottir, 2021). Failure of the liver and/or liver disease may occur due to vitamin A toxicity (Cheruvattath et al., 2006). In addition, the lung cancer risk may escalate due to vitamin A or beta-carotene overconsumption by smokers, and heart disease, liver cancer, and/or liver cirrhosis pose increased threats due to the overconsumption of iron (Palsdottir, 2021). Nutritional consumption may be exceeded through the overconsumption of foods that are high in nutrients in addition to multivitamin consumption (Palsdottir, 2021). Nutrients in high quantities may be contained within multivitamins due to processes of manufacturing that are faulty (Palsdottir, 2021).
Optimal health cannot be achieved by solely relying on multivitamins (Palsdottir, 2021). Inconsistent health benefits are proclaimed through evidence, where harm may be caused (Palsdottir, 2021). “If you have a nutrient deficiency, it’s best to supplement with that specific nutrient” (Palsdottir, 2021, p.1). Action is best decided through healthcare provider consultation, as non-essential nutrients may be contained within multivitamins (Palsdottir, 2021). A diet low in nutrients should not be addressed with multivitamins as long-term health is better ensured through a whole foods diet that is balanced (Palsdottir, 2021).
References
Cheruvattath, R., Orrego, M., Gautam, M., Byrne, T., Alam, S., Voltchenok, M., Edwin,
M.,Wilkens, J., Williams, J. W., & Vargas, H. E. (2006). Vitamin A toxicity: when one a day
doesn’t keep the doctor away. American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, 12(12),
1888–1891. https://doi.org/10.1002/lt.21007
Guardian News and Media Limited. (2022). Vitamin supplements can increase risk of cancer and
heart disease. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/apr/21/vitamin-supplements-
increase-risk-cancer-heart-disease-research
Holmquist, C., Larsson, S., Wolk, A., & de Faire, U. (2003). Multivitamin supplements are
inversely associated with risk of myocardial infarction in men and women—stockholm heart
epidemiology program (SHEEP). The Journal of Nutrition, 133(8), 2650–2654.
https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/133.8.2650
Neuhouser, M. L., Wassertheil-Smoller, S., Thomson, C., Aragaki, A., Anderson, G. L., Manson, J.
E., Patterson, R. E., Rohan, T. E., van Horn, L., Shikany, J. M., Thomas, A., LaCroix, A., &
Prentice, R. L. (2009). Multivitamin use and risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease in the
women’s health initiative cohorts. Archives of Internal Medicine, 169(3), 294.
https://doi.org/10.1001/archinternmed.2008.540
Palsdottir, H. (2021). Do multivitamins work? The surprising truth. Healthline.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/do-multivitamins-work#bottom-line
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