If taken as directed and under doctor supervision, a complete multivitamin that provides 100 percent of the daily recommended intakes of key vitamins and minerals can be a good way for seniors to receive essential nutrients without significant risk of serious side effects. However, taking "megadose" vitamins or taking a multivitamin along with other vitamins or certain medications may result in potentially life-threatening side effects for older people.
Significance
Many, though not all, seniors require multivitamins to correct nutritional deficiencies. According to Cleveland Clinic, almost a third of elderly people may have vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Seniors may not get enough nutrients due to failure to eat regular balanced meals, taking medications that interfere with nutrient absorption, or problems with the body's ability to absorb or use nutrients. Seniors are commonly deficient in iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, B-12, folate and vitamin D, according to Cleveland Clinic. Taking a complete multivitamin is one method of addressing nutrient deficiencies in seniors.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, when taken as directed, multivitamin supplements can have some common side effects, including upset stomach, headache and unpleasant taste in your mouth. Taking a multivitamin with food may reduce side effects, particularly for seniors who do not eat regular meals. Seniors who take multivitamins may also experience side effects caused by drug interactions, as seniors are more likely to be taking prescription medications than younger people. Some medications that may interact with multivitamins and cause side effects include diuretics, blood pressure medications and NSAIDs. Before taking a multivitamin, be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any medications to prevent any adverse drug interactions. Cancer patients should also consult their doctor before taking a multivitamin, according to Meir Stampfer, Ph.D., of the Harvard School of Public Health.
Life-Threatening Side Effects
Rarely, multivitamin supplements may cause an allergic reaction that may manifest in hives; swelling of your face, tongue, lips or throat; or difficulty breathing. If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms after taking a multivitamin, seek emergency care immediately. Seniors with conditions that affect the memory such as Alzheimer's disease may accidentally take too many multivitamins, resulting in a potentially life-threatening overdose. Symptoms of vitamin or mineral overdose may include stomach pain, vomiting, severe headache, confusion, weakness, severe drowsiness, slow heart rate, shallow breathing, weak and rapid pulse, tingly feeling, fainting, clammy skin, blue lips, or seizure.
Considerations
While a complete multivitamin that provides 100 percent of the government's RDA of essential vitamins and minerals is relatively safe when taken as directed and under a physician's supervision, seniors are highly discouraged from taking "megadose" multivitamins or supplements that contain large doses of a single vitamin. Taking high doses of vitamins E, A, C or B-6 can result in dangerous health consequences for seniors. Besides taking a multivitamin with food, another way to address upset stomach from multivitamins is switching brands, as some formulations are easier on your stomach than others, according to Harvard's Meir Stampfer. It's also important to choose from only mainstream brands of complete multivitamins, as these are more likely than lesser-known brands to be accurately labeled and free of impurities, says Stampfer.
References
- Cleveland Clinic; Should Everyone Over Age 75 Take a Multivitamin?; Cindy Moore, M.S., R.D., L.D.
- Drugs.com; Multivitamins and Minerals; Cerner Multum, Inc.; December 2010
- Elder Parent Help; What Seniors Should Consider Before Taking Vitamins; Randall J. Ryder; April 2011
- CNN Health; The Best Multivitamin for You -- and 11 to Steer Clear Of; Valerie Kramer Davis; August 2007
