A lot of people have a very hard time letting go of multivitamins. They think the only way to good health is by adding multivitamins to their routine habits. But in fact, there is a lot more than popping a multivitamin pill out and filling your nutritional requirements. Many believe that multivitamins can help them gain better health by adding pills to bad eating habits. They even conclude that multivitamins can reduce the risk of incurable diseases. Let us see what experts have to say about it.

What Do The Experts Say About Multivitamins?

Medical experts have conducted several tests and surveys to find out how effective are multivitamins in decreasing health problems. The reports are mixed as few people have benefited after taking multivitamins while others have not. Additionally, heart problems and cancer have become the leading causes of death. Many tests have reported that taking multivitamins can help reduce heart and cancer issues. While some studies show that multivitamins are related to increased risk of heart attacks. Other studies have not found any decrease or increase in heart attacks and cancer due to multivitamins. Hence, the evidence we have is mixed and unclear.

Are Multivitamins Effective?

Most multivitamins are effective but could not essentially resolve all of your health problems. In fact, they can harm those who don't require any of the supplements at all. Multivitamin supplements are available almost everywhere: in malls, shopping centers, supermarkets, and medical stores. So, it is essential to choose a product of a trusted brand only. However, duplicating labels is also a huge illegal practice followed all around the world. Multivitamins mainly constitute of several different vitamins and minerals. But, there isn't any standard what makes a supplement the perfect multivitamin nutrition. Moreover, the contents vary in different brands. Also, we cannot deny the fact that 50% of the world's population consume multivitamin supplements. Which shows that a lot of people are under this belief that getting all the vitamins and minerals is like getting everything a body needs. And undoubtedly they are spending a huge amount of money on buying the supplements. Is that a wise thing they have opted for? Read on to know why eating multivitamins may not be the best thing to do.

Do We Even Need Multivitamins?

Well, it is not that everyone must avoid taking vitamins. People who have a deficiency of certain vitamins or minerals need to take supplements. For instance, elderly people tend to do better with multivitamins at times. But we are talking about the public as a whole, like everyone regardless of their age and lifestyle. Does everyone need to take multivitamins regularly? Not actually. In fact, multivitamins overload your body with more nutrients than it can take. Rather you should think of a food that comprises of all the nutrients the body needs. We must eat different subcategories of food alternatively to meet the requirements. Moreover, people with a deficiency of a particular vitamin must prefer to consume only that supplement instead of eating multivitamins. For instance, if you are lacking omega-3 fatty acids in your body, do not start stuffing all the vitamins and minerals together. Rather, take omega-3 fatty acids only until it reaches a healthy level.

Who Can Take Multivitamins?

Multivitamins are meant for those who are lacking certain nutrients. These also should be taken only under a doctor's guidance. People who majorly have to take multivitamins include:

Elders

Most old age people suffer from vitamin b-12 and vitamin D3 deficiency because their body could not absorb these nutrients enough. Tests can determine whether they need these vitamins because of their growing age.

Vegans

Strict vegans may lack nutrients if they do not take proper care of their diet. Again vitamin b-12 is only found in animal food. So, those who follow strictly a plant-based diet may have to take a vitamin b-12 supplement. They might even lack calcium, omega-3 and vitamin D.

Pregnant women

A pregnant woman needs a little more nutrition for the baby she carries in her womb. A gynaecologist can best suggest which vitamins or minerals to take and what diet to follow.

Negative Effects of Multivitamins

We have to remember that we require specific enzymes to truly synchronize and neutralize the balance of vitamins and minerals in our body. Each vitamin or mineral acts differently. It benefits or affects our bodies differently. And if we take all of these at once, the body would not accept it and might lead to some harmful effects in the long term. Minerals, in our body, sometimes need to be elevated whereas sometimes need to be lowered. The same goes for vitamins. But the multivitamins that we take, mostly without a doctor's consent, are loaded with iron, zinc, omega-3, and other nutrients. Do not forget that our body does not need all of them at once. So why take everything without understanding the need of the body's demand? Moreover, in rare cases, even dogs mistakenly ingest human multivitamins. They definitely do not need them but there are downsides and even benefits of human multivitamins. However, this situation is also known as vitamin poisoning in dogs. If you find out your dog has ingested human multivitamins, head over to your vet.

How to Fulfil the Body's Nutritional Requirements

By taking multivitamins for no reason you are getting detracted from the real process of getting healthier. You have to know your bio-individuality. You have to find out what is dropping your energy levels or is affecting your skin, bone, and hair health. Your reports can tell you what you are lacking in. Once you confirm your body's status you can look for a natural whole-food diet. Nothing is better than the food in its most natural form to lead a healthier life. Combine individual vitamins and minerals by compiling your very own stack of meals. Choose to prepare food at home and avoid readily available highly-processed foods. Don't just depend on multivitamins for your daily nutritional needs. Honestly, you won't require them if you eat the perfect balanced diet. Taking multivitamins every day is nothing but a lazy man's way out.