Multivitamins have increased in popularity during the 21st century, with many different types of multivitamins and methods for taking them – whether it’s gummy sweets or pills. Our Chiropractor in West Vancouver offers some of the following thoughts.
Many believe that these supplements are taken to improve general health and act as a booster on the vital nutrients and minerals the body needs to be healthy.
Others may take multivitamins to make up for poor eating habits or to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease.
In reality, you should not depend solely on multivitamins to be an essential part of your daily diet. Finding sources of vitamins in your everyday diet or lifestyle should always be the first priority.
Key vitamins and minerals, such as calcium or Vitamin C, are very important nutrients to your overall health, often both physically and mentally. Both of these can be found in a healthy, balanced diet.
But, Are Multivitamins Harmful?
Opinions are mixed on the health values of taking multivitamin supplements. It is plausible that taking too many or taking them for too long can actually be harmful.
It’s always important to read the packaging of multivitamins and ensure you are only taking the prescribed amount. Seeking help from a registered dietitian, your family doctor, or your Chiropractor in West Vancouver should always be sought if you are unsure whether you need vitamin supplements.
Doctors will recommend multivitamins in certain cases if they believe someone is suffering from a vitamin deficiency.
While high doses of some vitamins and minerals will have no detrimental health effects, others can cause serious harm. Two factors affect the safety of multivitamin dosage: water-solubility and fat-solubility.
Water-soluble vitamins will be expelled by your body if there is an excess amount, whereas fat-soluble vitamins will remain in your body and build up over time, often with negative health effects.
Fat-soluble vitamins, including A, D, E, and K, should be approached with more care. Vitamins E and K are not necessarily toxic, but vitamins A and D can have negative effects if over-consumed.
The Different Types of Multivitamins Available
Multivitamins come in a range of different shapes and sizes. At a simple level, multivitamins are a supplement that often contains vitamins and minerals, and may occasionally have other ingredients to make the supplement more palatable.
It should be noted that many multivitamins are branded items. They are not necessarily developed in-line with medical treatment.
They come in a variety of different forms, such as tablets, capsules, gels, gummy sweets, powders, and liquids.
Each brand offers a different type of multivitamin with different compositions of nutrients. You should always check carefully before buying multivitamins from a pharmacy or supermarket.
What Do Multivitamins Actually Contain?
This is a point of contention in the multivitamin industry. Because these powders, tablets, capsules, gels and sweets are developed independently by manufacturers, the contents of the supplements aren’t always clear – even when you investigate the packaging.
There are thirteen vitamins and at least sixteen different minerals your body needs to be healthy – most of these can be gained from natural sources, such as a healthy diet. These vitamins and minerals help in enzyme production and regulate normal body processes.
Yes, multivitamins may offer these in small doses, but they can also include a varying range of minerals and vitamins as well as other ingredients that are often overlooked, such as fatty acids and herbs.
You should always purchase your multivitamins from a reputable manufacturer – medical professionals, such as your Chiropractor in West Vancouver, can recommend certain multivitamins if they notice a deficiency in your diet.
Do Multivitamins Work To Make You Healthier?
There have been many studies on the health benefits of multivitamins. Clearly, if you have a deficiency of a certain mineral or nutrient imbalance in your diet then multivitamins can be a useful dietary addition.
But studies are conflicted on the usefulness of multivitamins in treating or preventing conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Some studies suggest that daily dosage of multivitamins can help prevent these conditions, others suggest they have no effect whatsoever, and others cite an increased risk when multivitamins are taken.
Studies have also been conducted to trace the results of multivitamin dosage on eye health and brain function in aging adults. Again, studies are conflicted, with mixed results across ages, gender, and those who may suffer from underlying conditions.
Here at Ambleside Chiropractic in West Vancouver, multivitamins may be recommended to older adults who have a decreased Vitamin B12 absorption rate. Older adults may also require calcium and vitamin D supplements. Vitamin C is considered a water-soluble vitamin and therefore should be safe for almost everyone. However, before starting on a course of multi-vitamins, our Chiropractor in West Vancouver suggests you consult with a trained and registered health care professional such as a Registered Dietitian, your family doctor, or our Chiropractor here in West Vancouver.
