What do multivitamins help with

A multivitamin can offset these deficiencies. Good for your heart: Studies show that taking a high-quality multivitamin may reduce cardiovascular disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women in the U. Reduces cancer risk: Vitamin use has been associated with a decreased risk of some cancers. Vitamins D and E boost immunity, too. These vitamins can also help reduce allergy symptoms.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin also protect the eyes from harmful light waves. Studies have shown multivitamins containing a combination of vitamins, lutein, and zeaxanthin can reduce the risk of macular degeneration. Addressing nutritional gaps with multivitamin and mineral supplements 3. As Source 1 4. Christian Nordqvist. Medical News Today. Vitamins: What are they and what do they do? Statistics on obesity, physical activity and diet, England 6.

Do I need vitamin supplements? National Institutes of Health. Vitamin B12 8. Sullivan K, et al. Multivitamin use in pregnant and nonpregnant women 9. British Nutrition Foundation. Older adults NHS Choices. Vitamins for children As Source 4 Several small studies examining specific populations have found that multivitamins can improve memory in older adults 20 , 21 , Multivitamins may also affect your mood.

Research has not only revealed links between poor mood and nutrient deficiencies but also between nutritional supplements and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , However, other studies reveal little to no changes in mood 29, Age-related macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide One study found that taking antioxidant vitamins and minerals may slow its progression and help prevent it 32 , 33 , Furthermore, some evidence indicates that multivitamins may reduce your risk of developing cataracts, another widespread eye disease 35 , 36 , Multivitamins may help improve your memory and mood.

Although high doses of some vitamins and minerals are acceptable for some people, high amounts can be harmful. Pregnant people need to be especially careful with their vitamin A intake, as excessive intakes have been linked to congenital disabilities Vitamin D toxicity is rare and unlikely to develop from multivitamin use.

However, vitamin A toxicity is more common 39 , 40 , 41 , If you take multivitamins and eat many nutrient-dense foods , you could exceed the recommended daily intake of many nutrients.

Smokers should avoid multivitamins with large amounts of beta carotene or vitamin A, as these nutrients may increase your risk of lung cancer 43 , High doses of certain minerals, such as iron, can lead to stomach upset, constipation, vomiting, and fainting. Particularly, men should be mindful of their iron consumption, as they tend to store more of it than women do, as well as individuals who have hemochromatosis.

This condition can lead to a buildup of toxic levels of the mineral and may cause liver cirrhosis , liver cancer, and heart disease. Those with this condition should also avoid vitamin C supplements Another risk is faulty manufacturing processes, which may cause multivitamins to harbor much larger amounts of nutrients than intended Supplementing with large doses of certain nutrients can have harmful effects.

This is more likely to occur if you take a high-potency multivitamin on top of a nutrient-dense diet. Some individuals, including older adults, vegetarians, and vegans, may need higher amounts of certain vitamins or minerals. Multivitamins are not a ticket to optimal health. In fact, evidence that they improve health for most people is inconsistent.

In some cases, they may even cause harm. Multivitamins pack many nutrients, most of which you may not need. It may be best to speak with your healthcare provider to decide your best course of action. Eating a balanced diet of fresh, whole foods is much more likely to ensure good health over the long term.