Multivitamins contain many nutrients that you may not need. If you are deficient in a particular nutrient, your doctor will often recommend taking a supplement specifically for that specific nutrient. Multivitamins and multiminerals are some of the most popular supplements in the world. The popularity of this type of supplement has increased rapidly over the past few decades. Some people believe that multivitamins can help improve health, compensate for poor eating habits, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. This article examines the scientific evidence on multivitamins.

What are multivitamins?

Multivitamins are dietary supplements that contain a variety of vitamins and minerals. Sometimes, additional ingredients may be added. Since there is no standard for multivitamins, the nutrient content of each brand and product can vary. Multivitamins are also call multivitamins, multiples, or just vitamins. They come in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, gummies, chewables, powders, and liquids. Most multivitamins are best take one to two times a day. Be sure to read the label and follow dosage directions.

What does a multivitamin contain?

Humans need 13 vitamins and about 15 minerals for good health. These nutrients help produce enzymes and hormones, boost immunity, and keep the nervous system and organs functioning properly. The body also needs these nutrients for reproduction, maintenance, growth, and regulation of body processes.

Multivitamins may contain many of these vitamins and minerals, but in varying amounts. They may also contain other ingredients, such as herbs, amino acids, and fatty acids. Because the FDA does not regulate supplements as strictly as prescription drugs, some products may contain higher or lower amounts of nutrients than stated on the label. Additionally, some supplements may contain ingredients that may interact with medications, so it’s best to talk to your doctor before starting a new supplement.

Furthermore, the nutrients in multivitamins can come from real food or are synthetically produced. So it’s best to buy your vitamins from a reputable manufacturer.

Multivitamins and Heart Disease

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Although some believe that taking a multivitamin can help prevent heart disease, research does not support this belief. Some studies suggest that multivitamins are associated with a reduced risk of heart attacks and death, while others find no effect.

The Physicians Health Study II looked at the effects of taking a multivitamin daily in more than 14,000 middle-aged male doctors for 10 years and found no effect on the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death. However, a newer study found that among women, taking a multivitamin for more than three years was associated with a lower risk of dying from heart disease.

Multivitamins and Cancer

The evidence on multivitamin use and cancer risk is unclear. Some studies suggest no effect on cancer risk, while others link multivitamin use to an increased risk of cancer. One review of the research examined five randomized controlled trials involving 47,289 participants and found that men who took multivitamins had a 31% lower risk of developing cancer, but had no effect in women.

Two observational studies, one including only women and another including both men and women, linked long-term multivitamin use to a reduced risk of colon cancer. Finally, the Physicians Health Study II found that long-term daily multivitamin use reduced the risk of cancer in men with a history of cancer, as well as those without a history of cancer.