[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/07\/do-you-really-need-multivitamins\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/07\/do-you-really-need-multivitamins\/","headline":"Do You Really Need a Daily Multivitamin?","name":"Do You Really Need a Daily Multivitamin?","description":"A multivitamin (or multivitamin\/multi-mineral) supplement is a combination of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. ","datePublished":"2017-07-31","dateModified":"2023-07-20","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/primary-care-regions","name":"Primary Care","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/primary-care-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/primary-care\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/082017BLG_MULTIVITAMINS.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/082017BLG_MULTIVITAMINS.jpg","height":327,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/07\/do-you-really-need-multivitamins\/","about":["Nutrition"],"wordCount":413,"keywords":["multivitamin","Nutrition","supplements"],"articleBody":"They seem like a smart addition to your daily routine \u2014 you follow a wholesome diet, get regular physical activity, and pop a multivitamin every day.For more information, or to find a primary care doctor, visit\u00a0UPMC.com\/PCP\u00a0or call 1-855-676-UPMC-PCP (8762-727).Indeed, multivitamin supplements are often marketed as a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle. But do these vitamins actually help your overall health? And does everyone need to take them?Facts About MultivitaminsA look at the label on your multivitaminBy definition, a multivitamin (or multivitamin\/multimineral) supplement is a combination of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Common ingredients include:Vitamins A, C, D, and EFolic acid and other B vitaminsCalciumZincThese products typically also contain binders, artificial colors, and \u2014 in the case of chewable supplements \u2014 artificial flavorings.You are typically supposed to take multivitamins once a day and follow the recommended daily dose of nutrients, though some brands may differ.Multivitamins are not for everyoneMultivitamin and multimineral supplements probably won’t improve your health if you’re already eating a balanced diet.Instead, they’re meant to act as insurance, filling in gaps when you’re not getting enough essential nutrients. Most studies of multivitamins haven’t shown any benefit in terms of reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, or diabetes.The bottom line:\u00a0Ask your doctor if you could benefit from a daily multivitamin supplement.That may be because supplements contain isolated vitamins and minerals, while food provides a full a whole range of nutrients, fiber, and other important substances that can benefit health.Who might benefit from multivitaminsWhile taking a multivitamin probably won’t be of much value if you’re already healthy, taking one might help people who have certain health problems.For example, pregnant women need higher amounts of vitamins that help prevent birth defects, such as folic acid. Premenopausal women might require iron, while older men and women don’t need extra amounts of this mineral. And older adults, who tend to have trouble absorbing vitamin B12, may need different forms of this nutrient.“And vitamins can potentially harm you or interact with other supplements or prescribed medications,” says Kevin Wong, MD, Westmoreland Family Medicine-UPMC. “So, if you do take any vitamins or supplements, be sure all your health care providers know exactly what you are taking and your dosage.”Editor's Note: This article was originally published on July 31, 2017, and was last reviewed on July 20, 2023."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2017","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"07","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/\/07\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Do You Really Need a Daily Multivitamin?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/07\/do-you-really-need-multivitamins\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]