What are Multivitamins?

Multivitamins are intended to be used as a supplement to supply for the body’s vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional factors need. They are basically a combination of different vitamins from all the dietary sources. These preparations are available in different compositions and formulations [1]. Liquid, powders, tablets, capsules, and injectable vitamin formulations are most commonly used. Vitamins are an essential nutrient, and their deficiency can lead to a number of disorders. This article will let you know about the uses, deficiency disorders, side effects, and warnings of using these supplements.

 

What are the Types of Vitamins?

Vitamins are divided into 2 categories [2]:

• Fat-soluble vitamins: these are stored in the fatty tissue, and further divided into vitamin A, D, E, and K. 
• Water-soluble vitamins: there is only a small reserve of these vitamins in our body, the rest is excreted with the urine. Vitamin B and C are water-soluble vitamins. Vitamin B is further categorized into vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12.

 

What are the Common Uses of Multivitamins?

Multivitamins are commonly used to supply for the vitamins which are not available in your diet. Also, these are used to compensate for the nutrient deficiencies caused by any disease, pregnancy, digestive disorders, and poor dietary nutrition [3]. Vitamins are the building blocks of your body that are needed to keep you going.

 

What Does Vitamin Deficiency Do?

Vitamins are essential for the proper growth and functioning of the human body. Their deficiency can lead to several diseases such as scurvy, rickets, osteomalacia, pernicious anemia, etc. Correction to adequate vitamin levels can treat these diseases.

 

What are the Side Effects of Using Multivitamins?

Your body takes some time to adjust to the supplement. Initially, a number of side effects are accompanied by its use. Some of them are the following [4] :

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Upset stomach
• Headache

These side effects usually subside once you get accustomed to this. However, if these symptoms do not go away, consult your doctor. Many people do not even suffer from the initial side effects.

Unlike other drugs, this supplement rarely causes any allergic reaction. Still, it is better to be on guard. If you notice any of the following symptoms, consult the doctor as soon as possible:

• Rashes
• Itching
• Dizziness
• Trouble in breathing

 

What are the Warnings Associated with Multivitamins Use?

Self-medication is never a good idea even if it is a supplement. Following are some precautions to taking multivitamins [5]:

• Consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting a supplement.
• Tell your doctor your medical and allergy history to avoid getting into trouble.
• These supplements pass into breast milk. Therefore, consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before taking these supplements.
• If you have a history of any liver or stomach disorder, let your doctor know of it.

 

 

 

 

  References:

1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/do-multivitamins-make-you-healthier 
2. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002399.htm
3. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/is-there-really-any-benefit-to-multivitamins
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380172/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5241405/

 

 

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