Do vitamin supplements and multivitamins actually work?

Question

burlen · Accepted Answer

I think supplements should not be used as a substitute for a balanced diet. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats is the best way to get the necessary nutrients for optimal health.

Supplementation might be required for the following groups of people.

The elderly: Elderly individuals may have unique nutritional needs due to age-related physiological and lifestyle changes. As a result, they might benefit from certain supplementation (vitamin D, omega 3, calcium, protein, etc.) to help maintain overall health and prevent deficiencies.

Vegan and vegetarian diets: These diets exclude animal products (vegan) or limit them (vegetarian). People following these diets may need supplements for nutrients that are mainly found in animal products, such as vitamin B12, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and sometimes calcium and vitamin D.

Food allergies and intolerances: People with food allergies or intolerances, such as lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity, may need to avoid certain food groups. This can make it challenging to get all the necessary nutrients from their diet. Depending on the specific allergy or intolerance, supplementation with certain vitamins or minerals might be needed.

Low-calorie diets: Individuals on low-calorie diets for weight loss or other reasons may not consume enough nutrients. In these cases, a multivitamin or targeted supplements could help fill potential nutrient gaps.

Medical conditions: Some medical conditions or their treatments can lead to nutrient deficiencies or malabsorption. For example, people with genetically metabolic condition, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or those who have undergone gastric bypass surgery might require supplements to ensure they're getting enough nutrients.

Pregnant women: Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, older adults, and children have unique nutrient requirements. They might need supplements to meet their specific needs, such as folic acid for pregnant women and vitamin D for infants and older adults.

Athletes and highly active individuals: People with high energy expenditures or specific performance goals may have increased nutrient requirements. They may benefit from targeted supplementation, such as electrolytes, iron, or specific vitamins.

Adventurer23 · Accepted Answer

My grandmother's mother died young and her father died at the age of 67. She's also the oldest sibling of four sisters and she's outlived all of them. The others all dying between the ages of 58 and 71. My grandmother has taken vitamins and supplements since the 60s and she's set to turn 100-years old this fall and she still has all her marbles. I'm not saying vitamins will add 30-40 years of life to anyone who takes them, but I'd like to think that her vitamin regimen had played a small part in her longevity.

Catarine · Accepted Answer

They work, but only if you are actually deficient in those vitamins otherwise there won't be any changes.

I still take my multivitamins (only half because they are mostly over the 100% recommended intake) just to make sure I get enough of them. You also need a trusty brand as they are not FDA regulated.

Fruitmash · Accepted Answer

Sticking to natural meals and taking in a lot of fresh fruits and veggies is far better. Supplements are for the ones who are not well and have trouble digesting natural foods.

Massageman · Answer

The best thing you can do is to eat a balanced diet.

A general supplement will help fill in any soft areas. There are any number of supplements that are compounded to help in particular areas: cognition, muscle development, vision, connective tissue/skin/nails, etc. After consulting with your doctor, these might be considered. I am on several supplements- my doc knows about all of them.

Heterosketero · Answer

Yes. Some I might reccomend are Vitamin D, because everyone needs the D (I kive where that was inveneted hahahaha) and B12, which helps to better absorb nutrition overall. Glucosamine when joints are stiff, Zinc occasionally after excercise. I do think it can be overdone though and people should familiarize themselves with what vitamina are in their favourite healthy foods. For example, I am nursing a horrible ulcer and the cure is probiotics, but the vitamins miss some of the supplementary components of a good yogurt. Favouring a healthy diet and good hydration can can provide most vitmanin needs. Most people are over toxified on proteins and iron.

BagoH · Answer

Vitamin supplements are mostly unnecessary and won't make a noticeable change. Unless you're very deficient in something. I'd say focus on getting daily vitamin d3 , magnesium , sodium , potassium , calcium and fish oil. Most important things out there that have actual significant effect. DYOR to find out more , look up Andrew Huberman on vitamins / electrolytes he has amazing videos /podcasts.

Effably · Answer

At a core they work!

However, most of the time people are not actually vitamin deficient. There is, for most people, no real need to take these supplements. And so for most of us, unless you really like taking them, it is near pointless. More expensive urine, I believe I've heard it called.

That said, if there is a need for it they work great. About as great as eating a lemon. Or whatever else is missing.

CreatingWonders · Answer

I watched a programme on this and no they don’t work. A lady was taking lots of different vitamins and she was told that the food she eats gives her all the vitamins she needs so she doesn’t need vitamins.

MementoMori777 · Answer

I hope so or I'm just swallowing a bunch of plastic

AngryCarl2 · Answer

I mean they will make up your vitamins if you have a deficiency (like most of us do) but they won't turn you into Superman.

genericname85 · Answer

they may or may not work. but what they most certainly can not do is long term replace a healthy diet and lifestyle.

LiamJHayden · Answer

Some do. Sublingual B-12 for example can be very effective. Most though are not sufficiently absorbed and thus a waste of money.

Christoff92 · Answer

Take it from this guy. Yes ☺️

VikingWarLord · Answer

There was only one I liked but they went outta biz gawdammit !

HippieVeganJewslim · Answer

Probably, but doubtfully as much as they’re needed.

gorydetails · Answer

You absolutely need to take supplements. Vitamin D at a bare minimum.

Brando10222 · Answer

Of course they do. What do you think they are made for?

d_e141 · Answer

Weeelll, I guess they do. I've tried them and it helped me.

Alex8736 · Answer

depends which vitamins you take and what your taking them for

Nikki1989 · Answer

No, most just make really expensive urine.

RavVid · Answer

If you have a deficiency but not otherwise.

Iron_Man · Answer

Absolutely I recommend them to everybody

EaterPeter · Answer

Depends on what you mean by work.

Anonymous · Answer

once in a while i take one

chicken_nugget24 · Answer

Yes!

Do vitamin supplements and multivitamins actually work?

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