What registered dietitians want you to know about these popular supplements.
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Multivitamins are the most widely used nutritional supplement in the United States.
But despite their popularity, there is a lot of debate as to whether multivitamin supplements are necessary.
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And yet,the majority of Americans fall short of the recommended fruit and vegetable intake.
Read on to hear what registered dietitians have to say about supplementation with multivitamins.
What Are Multivitamins?
Vitamins arenutrients that the body needsto maintain normal cell function, growth, and development.
Typically, multivitamins are used when someones not able to get enough of these nutrients from their diet.
There also are multivitamin-mineral supplements that provide minerals as well as vitamins.
Who Needs a Multivitamin?
Despite their popularity, not everyone needs a multivitamin but a few groups may benefit.
Here’s a look at who falls into these groups.
Those With G.I Disorders
Multivitamins may be beneficial for people living with G.I.
Similarly, people who’ve had surgery to remove parts of their digestive organsmay also benefit from a multi.
Those Taking Certain Medications
Nutrients also can be depleted by certain medications.
Evencertain oral contraceptivesmay impact nutrient levels.
Talk to your healthcare provider about how a drug may impact nutritional status when starting a new medication.
Potential Downsides to Multivitamins
There are some potential downsides to taking amultivitamin-mineral supplement.
For starters, if you dont need one, it can be an unnecessary expense.
It’s also possible to overdo it on certain nutrients.
There also are tolerable upper limits for multivitamins," Feller says.
“You pee out what the body doesnt use.
Be mindful of minerals found in these products, too especially if you take a few different supplements.
Iron is another nutrient where getting enough is important, but too muchcan lead to severe adverse symptoms.
Talk to a healthcare provider and explore potential underlying factors and solutions.
It’s important to note that this principle doesnt necessarily mean food only.”
“Multivitamins are not magic bullets.
But they can be part of a healthy lifestyle.”
However, multivitamins are not magic bullets, Blatner notes.
“But they can be part of a healthy lifestyle.
Paying attention to your body can also give clues as to whether youre properly nourished.
So, it can be challenging to know that what youre buying supports your goals.
To start, look for a reputable brand.
Choosing the right formula for your unique needs also matters, she adds.
Choose a multivitamin thats formulated for your age, gender, and stage in life.
This is important because not all nutrients are healthy or necessary for all people.
For example, men and menopausal women generally do not need additional iron.
Consult with a healthcare provider for guidance, and ensure to choose a reputable brand.
If you do not have access to a healthcare provider, Blatner recommends theUSDAs MyPlate planner.
