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Supplements are a booming company in America - the one that collected more than $ 35 billion in 2022 per Certain estimates . However, it is also a sub-regulated company in which it is too common to see exaggerated endorsements and misleading . Many people, eager to improve their health by taking supplements or multivitamins, are naturally confused by competing affirmations surrounding their use. If you have already debated if multivitamin could be advantageous to you, it can be difficult to cut the noise.

Getting the advantages and disadvantages, eyes wide open to potential risks and advantages is a way of making the best decision for your health (doing this with the help of your doctor is even better). Ready to settle the debate once and for all? These are the things to consider when choosing if a daily multivitamin suits you, according to doctors and other health professionals.

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Although there is a large agreement between doctors that it is best to obtain most of your nutrients thanks to a healthy and varied diet, some experts say that taking multivitamin can help you cover your nutritional bases.

"I like to think of taking a multivitamin as an insurance policy. An overwhelming part of the Americans does not meet their daily needs in micronutrients," said Claire Rifkin , MS, RDN, a dietitian nutritionist recorded in Claire Rifkin Nutrition . "Complete with multivitamin can be a good way to make sure you meet your daily needs . ""

The majority of pharmacists seem to agree. A 2019 survey Of 639 pharmacists found that 78% said they recommend vitamins and minerals to their patients. Among those who recommend vitamins, 91% said they recommend multivitamins, making it the most commonly recommended vitamin product.

Although research suggests that multivitamins are more commonly recommended than any vitamin or mineral, many experts say that it is preferable to identify particular deficiencies and to target those through food and strategic supplementation. Your doctor can help you determine if you have such nutritional gaps.

"Before recommending supplements or drugs to my clients, I consider their family health history, personal medical history, lifestyle and a thorough examination of their biomarkers through blood tests that will specify gaps in vitamins and vitamins and vitamins and vitamin gaps and vitamin gaps and minerals "," Florence Comitite , MD, founder of COMMITTE CENTER FOR CONCISION MEDICINE & HEALTHY longevity , tell Better life.

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Some people have greater nutritional needs than others or are more likely to have deficiencies in vitamins or minerals. The elderly, pregnant people and people with deficiencies, restrictive diets or absorption problems can benefit from daily multivitamin.

However, it is important to note that these are often considered to be more vulnerable groups, which means that it is better to speak with your doctor before starting a new diet.

Although a minority of people can benefit from daily multivitamin, the majority waste their money, say medical experts.

"They do nothing for most people," said Jamie Martinez , Pharmd, pharmacist and creator of medical content. "We have long-term clinical data showing that multivitamins are worthless for most people unless you are over 65 years old or have a specific absorption problem," she shared in a recent Tiktok Post .

"We have evidence That for the vast majority of people, taking multivitamins will not help you, " Pieter Cohen , MD, an associate professor of medicine at the Harvard Medical School, said Harvard Health Publishing . "Most people would be better to just have a glass of water and jump vitamin."

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For most people, it is unlikely that taking daily multivitamin to affect damage. This is good news, since a third of the American population Reports taking them , According to centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

Although it is possible to ingest megadoses of vitamins and minerals toxic to the body, the vast majority of vitamins that your body does not need or uses will simply be filtered by the kidneys and released when you urine.

"There is very little trouble that we found in taking multivitamins, " Mikhail Varshavski , MD, doctor and popular content creator Who passes "Dr. Mike" on social networks, said recently on the Rachael Ray Show . "They won't hurt you."

However, just because the damage is unlikely This does not mean that it is unknown. When you take a multivitamin, you run the risk of interacting with other drugs or supplements that you may take. It is also possible to ingest too much a vitamin or a particular mineral if you already get a large part in your diet.

"Multivitamins can interact with prescription drugs and affect their operation," warns Rifkin. "For example, vitamin K can reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulants. It is also always possible for some people to undergo unwanted side effects of multivitamin which may not be dangerous, but can be uncomfortable," said- She.

HAVY NGO-HAMILTON , Pharmd, pharmacist, clinical consultant and pharmacy publisher in Buzzrx , should be a danger to patients. She says Better life Whether it "could cause undesirable side effects or even prejudices and serious hospitalization".

Best Life offers the most up -to -date information for high -level experts, new research and health agencies, but our content is not supposed to replace professional advice. Regarding the medication you take or any other health issue you have, always consult your health care provider directly.