According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), approximately one-third of adults in the United States take multivitamin and mineral supplements in an effort to ward off disease. Experts at the NIH say that existing scientific research does not support contentions that multivitamin and mineral supplements can prevent health conditions. Experts at the Mayo Clinic says a balanced diet is the optimal means of meeting nutritional needs, although some groups (menopausal women, elderly) may benefit from taking specific vitamin supplements.
Evidence
During a 2006 State of the Science Conference sponsored by the NIH, a 13-member panel concluded that there is insufficient data to formally stand in support of or against the use of multivitamins as a means of preventative health care for the general population. The panel included experts in the fields of food science and human nutrition, family medicine, cancer prevention and consumer protection among others.
Benefits
As a general rule, doctors recommend the use of multivitamins for certain individuals who may not be getting their nutritional needs met through a balanced diet. This may include people whose dietary intake, medications or health conditions hamper their bodies' natural capability of absorbing adequate amounts of nutrients through food intake.
Older people (over 60) are frequently advised to take a multivitamin supplement since the aging process can slow the bodies' ability to soak up vitamins, including B-12 (prevents anemia) and Vitamin D (preserves bone strength).
Types
According to the health experts at the Mayo Clinic, the expensive brands of multivitamins don't offer any greater benefit than the lower priced varieties. When choosing a multivitamin look for labels that state that it meets 100 percent of the Daily Value (DV) of the most vital nutrients.
The use of larger than recommended doses and those that may ad enzymes (biological catalysts, primarily proteins), amino acids (chemical units that make up proteins) and herbs should not be consumed due to potential health risks. Premenopausal women may derive some benefits from taking multivitamins that contain iron to help restore iron that is lost during menstruation.
Additional Supplements
Most multivitamins don't contain an adequate amount of calcium needed by pre and postmenopausal women. Experts at the Mayo Clinic recommend that women over age 50 should get at least 1,200 mg. of calcium every day. Younger women of childbearing age should consult with their doctor about taking folic acid supplements, which can lessen the chances of brain defects and spinal cord abnormalities in fetuses.
Precautions
Talk to your doctor before taking a multivitamin or other nutritional supplement since their use may not be recommended with some health conditions and diseases. Your doctor can also advise what if any specific vitamins might offer health benefits based on your overall health, sex, age and diet.
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