Is there any downside to taking a multivitamin?

Multivitamins that offer large amounts of fat-soluble vitamins can be harmful, as excess levels of these vitamins can build up in the body. For instance, excess intakes of vitamin A may cause headaches, liver damage, weaker bones, and birth defects ( 11 ).

What is the downside of taking vitamins?

But routinely getting an overload of vitamins and minerals can hurt you. Too much vitamin C or zinc could cause nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Too much selenium could lead to hair loss, gastrointestinal upset, fatigue, and mild nerve damage.

Is it a good idea to take multivitamins?

Most people do not need to take vitamin supplements and can get all the vitamins and minerals they need by eating a healthy, balanced diet. Vitamins and minerals, such as iron, calcium and vitamin C, are essential nutrients that your body needs in small amounts to work properly.

Can multivitamins make you gain weight?

For generally healthy people, taking a multivitamin won’t help in weight gain. Unfortunately multivitamins will not help you gain weight, but your body does need vitamins to grow, develop, and function normally.

Do multivitamins boost immune system?

Myth. Taking a daily multivitamin is probably a good idea to stay healthy if you eat poorly. But taking megadoses of a single vitamin or supplement has not been proven to help the immune system.

What supplements are really necessary?

The most popular nutrient supplements are multivitamins, calcium and vitamins B, C and D. Calcium supports bone health, and vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Vitamins C and E are antioxidants—molecules that prevent cell damage and help to maintain health.

What are the benefits and risks of taking multivitamins?

That’s why a multivitamin can help fill in the gaps, and may have added health benefits. The folic acid in most multivitamins helps prevent neural tube defects in newborns, if women take it before they become pregnant; folic acid may also lower the risk of heart disease, colon cancer, and breast cancer.

Do multivitamins actually make people healthier?

Multivitamins aren’t making people healthier, and they might even be doing the opposite, according to a series of recent studies. Signaling a sea change in the medical consensus about using multivitamins, leading experts say they’ve had “enough.”.

Should I take a daily multivitamin?

Taking a daily multivitamin may help supplement your diet especially if you are not getting the proper amount of nutrients.

The best way however to receive the necessary nutrients the body needs is through healthy and natural foods.

It is important to know and understand which blend of vitamins and minerals you need.

Are multivitamins harmful or beneficial?

But a growing body of evidence suggests that multivitamins offer little or nothing in the way of health benefits, and some studies suggest that high doses of certain vitamins might cause harm. As a result, the authors behind the new research said it’s time for most people to stop taking them.