If you grew up with chewable vitamins or have ever eyed the crowded shelves of pills and gummies promising to boost your health, you’re not alone. But are multivitamins really worth it?
In the latest episode of the A Healthier Michigan Podcast, host Chuck Gaidica sits down with Dr. Angela Seabright, care management physician at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, to separate myth from fact about these daily supplements.
What’s in a multivitamin?
Multivitamins package essential vitamins like A, C, D, E and a lineup of B vitamins, along with minerals such as iron, calcium and magnesium. But Seabright stresses these are meant to supplement, not replace, a healthy diet.
“Think of multivitamins as the cherry on top,” she says. “The main event is still what’s on your plate.”
Do most people need multivitamins?
For healthy adults with a balanced diet, a daily multivitamin usually isn’t necessary. There are exceptions: pregnant or breastfeeding women, older adults, vegans, vegetarians and people with certain medical conditions may benefit from targeted supplementation. For example, pregnant women are advised to take prenatal vitamins for folic acid, and older adults may need extra B12 or vitamin D.
The vitamin aisle can feel overwhelming, and with good reason, supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which means what’s on the label isn’t always what’s in the bottle. Seabright recommends looking for reputable brands and third-party testing and always reading the ingredient list and nutrient breakdown on the back. When in doubt, talk to your primary care provider.
Can you take too many vitamins?
More isn’t always better. Fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K are stored in the body and can reach toxic levels if over-consumed. Some supplements also add herbal ingredients, so it’s important to know what you’re taking and avoid doubling up on certain nutrients.
Listen to the podcast, Are Multivitamins Worth it?, to hear the entire conversation. The A Healthier Michigan Podcast is brought to you by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
To hear more episodes on your smartphone or tablet, subscribe on Apple Podcast or Spotify or your favorite podcast app.
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