There’s little evidence that multivitamins boost health. They are a common way to fill in micronutrient deficiencies, but there’s also little evidence that they prevent disease onset. Still, most vitamin and mineral supplements shouldn’t harm you if you take them in reasonable doses.
Multivitamins prevent micronutrient shortfalls.
A daily multivitamin is a smart way to ensure you get all the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Most Americans do not meet their daily requirements through food, but taking a multivitamin can help make a difference. Taking a multivitamin may also help reduce the risk of certain micronutrient deficiencies.
Although persons not deficient in one micronutrient should take multivitamins, some populations may not benefit as much from them. Therefore, you must inspect the private label supplements before ingesting them.?
They prevent micronutrient deficiencies.
Micronutrient deficiencies are a common health problem, especially among high-income populations. The lack of vitamins and minerals in the diet can result in disease and a high risk of death. In addition, these deficiencies are often exacerbated by other conditions, including underlying diseases. It is, therefore, vital to provide adequate nutrition, particularly for children and adolescents.
According to the World Health Organization, two billion people worldwide are micronutrient-deficient. This is approximately 30% of the population. The most vulnerable populations are found in low-income countries. This is due to poor access to nutrient-rich foods, which are not available locally. In 2019, it was estimated that three billion people worldwide could not afford a healthy diet. The COVID-19 pandemic will likely make the situation worse.
They provide an energy boost.
Vitamin supplements may be the right choice if you want an energy boost. B vitamins are crucial for the body’s energy production and metabolism and are present in the supplements these supplement manufacturing companies produce. These vitamins also play a role in the formation of red blood cells. B12, in particular, is especially important for energy. When the body doesn’t get enough B12, it can lead to a lowered energy level, depression, and mood swings. Over time, a B12 deficiency can even cause nerve damage.
A healthy diet is a good source of vitamins. For example, vitamin D boosts energy levels and mood. The best way to get vitamin D is from sunlight, converted to vitamin D when it hits the skin. Vitamin B12 also helps with energy levels. Many non-dairy kinds of milk are fortified with B12.
They lower the risk of cancer.
Researchers have found that vitamin supplements may decrease the risk of cancer. The study, called the STAR trial, included 25,871 participants. Supplementation with vitamin D was associated with lower cancer risk, but the association did not persist. There was also no difference in the risk of major cardiovascular events or cancer deaths among those who received vitamin D. The study’s participants were followed for an average of 5.3 years. The median number of cancer cases diagnosed was 16.7 per 1,000 participants.
This study enrolled men and women from various parts of the United States. The study was balanced by race and sex. In particular, it was important to include at least 5,000 black participants. Participants were also required to be healthy and have no cardiovascular disease or cancer history. They also agreed to limit their vitamin D intake to 800 IU daily and complete a three-month placebo-controlled run-in period. Participants were excluded if they had cirrhosis, renal failure, or serious medical conditions. Participants were randomly assigned to either the vitamin D supplement or the placebo.
They prevent fractures
Although the research on vitamin supplements and fractures is still in its early stages, there is some evidence that they can help prevent fractures. A study by the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School examined the effects of vitamin D supplements on bone fractures in people over 55. The researchers analyzed the results of 11 randomized controlled trials involving more than 34,000 participants. They found that participants who took vitamin D supplements were significantly less likely to suffer a fracture than those who took a placebo.
While many studies have shown that vitamin D supplements can help reduce the risk of fractures, recent studies have not indicated a protective effect in people over 50. In addition, these studies included healthy community-dwelling people and not nursing home residents, who often suffer from poor diets, lack sun exposure, and have reduced mobility. Nevertheless, the research has implications for health care practitioners as the elderly living in nursing homes are at a greater risk of fractures.
They prevent falls
Vitamin supplements for healthy people may help reduce the risk of falls. Studies show that vitamin D helps prevent falls, and there are many reasons to take this vitamin. One of the most common is that it helps prevent bone loss, which can lead to fractures and dislocations. However, the effects of vitamin D may vary from one individual to another.
Vitamin D supplements have also decreased the risk of falling in older adults. In addition, vitamin D improves executive functions and walking abilities, which can help a person avoid a fall. Vitamin D supplements should be taken daily for the best results.
They prevent cancer
Many people may be wondering whether vitamin supplements prevent cancer. Although we don’t know the exact causes of cancer, recent studies have suggested that certain vitamins may help reduce cancer risk in some people. However, there are some important caveats about the role of vitamin supplements in cancer prevention. The first is that they don’t cure the disease. In addition, vitamin supplements’ effects may differ at different times of the body’s life.
Some of the antioxidants in vitamin supplements are known to help fight cancer. They can help prevent the formation of new cancer cells and help to protect healthy cells. For example, proanthocyanidins in grapes and cherries can inhibit the growth of tumor cells. Also, some minerals can act as antioxidants. These include copper, manganese, zinc, and selenium. These minerals are necessary to function as antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase. This enzyme converts superoxide to hydrogen peroxide and requires copper, zinc, and manganese. Selenium, in particular, is associated with a reduced risk of cancer.