Multivitamins: Will They Benefit Everyone?

“I used to be one of those people who believed that taking multivitamins was a must. It seemed like an easy fix for days when I wasn’t eating right, or when I felt tired and sluggish. My mornings started with a glass of water and a handful of colorful pills that promised to fill in the gaps in my diet. I thought I was doing something good for my health, covering all my bases. But then, I started wondering if they were actually necessary for me.”

So, are you among the Malaysians who gulps down a multivitamin every morning, probably with a sip of water?

Who might need a multivitamin or individual supplements?

Sometimes, people need extra vitamins and minerals. This can happen if they don't eat enough different foods or if their tummy can't absorb the food well. Some people also need vitamins and minerals after certain surgeries. If you don’t get enough sunlight, you might need to take vitamin D. If your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells, the doctor might tell you to take iron to help.

When someone is going to have a baby or wants to have one, taking vitamins and minerals can be super important! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which helps keep people healthy, says that pregnant women should have up to 400 mcg of folic acid every day. This special vitamin helps keep babies safe from problems with their spine and brain, like spina bifida.

Dr. Brittany Noel Robles, a doctor who helps moms and babies, explains that "taking a multivitamin is a good idea for pregnant women because it can be hard to eat all the healthy foods they need." Sometimes, when moms are pregnant, they might not feel good and don’t want to eat certain foods.

While multivitamins are important for pregnant women, men can also benefit from taking them, depending on their diet and lifestyle. For men, multivitamins can play an important role in supporting overall health, especially when it comes to serious issues like prostate health. The prostate is a small gland that helps produce fluid for semen, but as men age, problems such as enlargement or prostate cancer can occur. Certain vitamins and minerals, like zinc and vitamin D, have been linked to better prostate health, and a multivitamin may help ensure that men get adequate amounts of these essential nutrients. Additionally, men are at risk for other health concerns, such as heart disease and low testosterone levels, which can also be influenced by their nutrient intake.

Why do people still not give up on multivitamins?

People have believed for almost 100 years that vitamins and minerals are super healthy and natural. Many think that taking vitamins and minerals can help them stay strong, feel more energetic, and give them peace of mind. However, this belief isn’t always correct. While vitamins and minerals can be helpful for some people, especially those with specific health needs, taking extra vitamins and minerals doesn’t automatically make you healthier. Most people can get all the nutrients they need from a balanced diet, and taking vitamins and minerals without needing them might not provide any real benefits.

But, what are multivitamin supplements?

Not everyone eats a healthy and balanced diet, and there are many reasons for this, like personal food choices or special diets. For example, people who follow a plant-based diet might not get enough vitamin B12, which mostly comes from animal foods.

A multivitamin supplement is something you can take, like a pill, syrup, or gummy, to help your body stay healthy. It has things like vitamins and minerals, or special ingredients from plants or animals. These help your body work better, even if you don’t get everything you need from your food.

For example, a vitamin C gummy is a health supplement. If you don’t eat enough oranges or fruits, the gummy can help give your body the vitamin C it needs to stay strong and healthy. Another example is fish oil, which can help your brain and heart stay healthy, even if you don’t eat fish often.

Do multivitamins help our bodies?

It’s a tricky question, and there isn’t just one answer. Some people might find that taking multivitamins helps them feel better, but it’s important to check what your body really needs before taking them every day. Dr. Liudmila Schafer, a doctor, says that taking too many vitamins and minerals can make you feel sick, like having a tummy ache or even making you confused. Also, some vitamins and minerals can make it harder for your body to use certain medicines, like when you have to take special pills to feel better. But there are times when a multivitamin can be helpful.

When are multivitamins helpful?

Multivitamins are like little superheroes for our bodies, providing extra nutrients to keep us healthy. However, they aren't always necessary for everyone. Here are some situations when multivitamins can be especially helpful:

1. When You Don’t Eat a Variety of Foods
   If you find yourself being a picky eater and not enjoying many fruits, vegetables, or other healthy foods, a multivitamin can help fill in the gaps. It’s like having a safety net for your nutrition!

2. Special Diets
   People who follow special diets, such as vegan or vegetarian diets, might miss out on some important vitamins and minerals. For example, vitamin B12, which is mainly found in animal products, is often lacking in these diets. A multivitamin can help provide the nutrients that are hard to get from certain foods.

3. Certain Life Stages
   Some people, like pregnant women or older adults, may need extra vitamins and minerals to support their bodies. Pregnant women require more folic acid for the healthy development of their babies, while older adults may need more vitamin D to maintain bone health.

4. Health Conditions
   If someone has a health condition or takes medication that makes it difficult for their body to absorb nutrients, a doctor might recommend a multivitamin. This can help ensure that they are getting the essential vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy.

5. Busy Lifestyles
   Life can get really busy, and sometimes meals can be skipped or not as balanced as they should be. If you’re rushing around and don’t always have time to eat a nutritious meal, a multivitamin can help make sure your body still gets what it needs to function well.

The Takeaway

While vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in maintaining our overall health, it’s essential to recognize that they are not a substitute for a balanced diet. For many individuals, particularly those with specific dietary restrictions, health conditions, or lifestyle challenges, multivitamins can serve as a valuable supplement to help fill nutritional gaps. However, it is vital to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements to ensure they align with your unique health needs. By prioritizing a varied and nutritious diet and using multivitamins wisely, we can support our bodies in achieving optimal health and well-being.