Multivitamins are a combination of many different vitamins commonly found in foods and other natural resources. These are used to provide vitamins that are not fully consumed in the diet. Multivitamins are also used to treat vitamin deficiencies caused by illness, pregnancy, malnutrition, digestive disorders, and many other conditions.
For decades, doctors and health professionals have likewise suggested taking multivitamins daily as a dietary supplement. However, in recent years, more and more research has questioned whether these supplements, which can be very expensive, are really needed.
StudyFinds has published a study on both sides of the discussion. World-renowned doctors and mental health professionals say that multivitamins can bring many benefits to our body. But for those who aren’t confident about taking them, let’s take a look at five published studies that suggest the opposite.
Multivitamins do not prevent heart attack, stroke, cardiovascular death
Studies show that multivitamin supplements do not affect heart health and do not reduce the likelihood of suffering from a heart attack, stroke, or even death from a heart-related condition.
This study looked at data from 18 different studies on multivitamin and mineral supplements. Results from more than 2 million people were recorded, with an average follow-up of approximately 12 years from the start of each study. Findings do not show the clinical benefits of using multivitamins and minerals to prevent heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death. Therefore, it only adds to the body with increasing evidence that multivitamins are more taboo than anything else.
Although this study does not show any health benefits, taking vitamin supplements does not appear to be harmful. Still, in light of this, studies do not recommend the use of multivitamins or mineral supplements to prevent cardiovascular disease. There is no substitute for a balanced and nutritious diet with more fruits and vegetables that limits excess calories, saturated fats, trans fats, sodium, sugar, and dietary cholesterol.
Read more: Studies: Multivitamins do not prevent heart attack, stroke, cardiovascular death
Does not reduce the risk of dying from COVID-19
It certainly seems reasonable to take some extra vitamins when dealing with cases of COVID-19. However, new studies show that immunity-boosting supplements such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc rarely reduce the risk of patients dying from coronavirus.
This study reviews a new set of COVID-19 hospitalization data to develop this review and warns that there is no real evidence that supplements actually treat or reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. increase. This is intended to correct the misunderstanding that taking zinc, vitamin D, or vitamin C can help with clinical outcomes when infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Specifically, this study analyzed 26 global peer-reviewed studies of 5,600 COVID-19 patients admitted to this project. The results show no evidence of reduced mortality in COVID-19 patients taking vitamin D, vitamin C, or zinc supplements compared to other patients. However, the data suggested that vitamin D supplementation, in particular, was less associated with lower intubation rates and shorter hospital stays.
A continuous survey of people who are habitually taking vitamin D supplements before becoming infected with COVID. Again, this study found no significant changes in mortality in these individuals. This study wants to clarify that their study never states that vitamins are unhealthy or should be avoided. It only shows that vitamins do not reduce the risk of death for COVID-19.
Read more: Taking vitamins does not help reduce the risk of dying from COVID-19
Multivitamins and other common supplements have no health benefits
Taking multivitamins and other commonly consumed vitamin and mineral supplements does not actually have any health benefits, but it does no harm.
This study conducted a review of 179 studies on popular vitamin supplements published between January 2012 and October 2017. The study covered a wide range of supplements including vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 (niacin), B6, B9 (folic acid), C, D and E; mineral supplements β-carotene; calcium; iron; zinc; magnesium; And selenium. Multivitamins, including a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, have also been reviewed.
The results of the study conclude that the most commonly consumed supplements (multivitamins, vitamin D, calcium, and vitamin C) did not affect the risk of those suffering from heart attack, heart disease, or premature death. I am. In addition, findings show that intake of multivitamins, vitamin D, calcium, or vitamin C is harmless, but with no obvious benefit.
The only supplements that have shown any benefit in the study are the B vitamins containing folic acid or B6, B12, and folic acid, which may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Therefore, these findings suggest that people need to be aware of the supplements they are taking and confirm that they can be applied to certain vitamin or mineral deficiencies advised by their healthcare provider.
Read more: Research: Multivitamins and other common supplements have no health benefits
People who eat poorly do not reduce their risk of heart disease
Taking multivitamins does not increase your chances of developing heart disease, even if you have an inadequate diet.
This study surveyed 13,316 participants who completed a detailed food intake frequency questionnaire. We sought to determine if people who showed an unhealthy diet would benefit more from multivitamins than those who already enjoyed a nutritious diet.
The results of the study do not show an increased or decreased risk of illness years after the study began, compared to those who took placebo. In addition, the study found that malnutrition made no difference in the effect of daily multivitamin intake on the risk of cardiovascular disease or overall mortality.
Intuitively, many thought that men who were “undernourished” at baseline could benefit more from long-term use of multivitamins for heart-related consequences. rice field. However, recent analysis does not show any evidence of this. Therefore, it remains important for people to understand their role in nutritional status and other long-term health outcomes, especially through clinical trials.
Read more: Multivitamins do not reduce the risk of heart disease even in people who eat poorly
The health benefits of multivitamins “may be all in your heart”
Scientists suggest that all the health benefits of taking multivitamin supplements may be in your head. People’s positive expectations may be behind the benefits of multivitamin and mineral tablets, as there is no other solid evidence.
The survey collected data on 21,603 adults in the United States who participated in the 2012 National Health Interview Survey. Of the samples, 4,933 reported taking multivitamin or mineral tablets on a regular basis.
The findings show that users of regular multivitamin or mineral supplements reported 30% better overall health than those who did not take them. However, there was no difference between those who took it and those who did not, in any of the five psychological, physical, or functional health outcomes evaluated. Two possible explanations were provided for the findings. People who take supplements on a regular basis simply believe that they will improve their health, or are generally more positive about their personal health, regardless of their intake.
The positive expectations of those taking multivitamin and mineral supplements are even stronger given that most of them are sold to so-called “worried wells.” Nonetheless, the fact that there is no difference in the assessed health results is consistent with other studies showing that multivitamins or mineral supplements do not improve the overall health of the general adult population.
Read more: The power of positivity: The health benefits of multivitamins “Everything may come to mind”
It is worth noting that StudyFinds does not agree or disagree with these studies. If you are considering taking or discontinuing a multivitamin supplement, you should definitely consult your doctor or healthcare provider first.