MULTIVITAMIN COMPLEX - HEALTH BENEFITS

1. What is a multivitamin complex?

A multivitamin complex is a dietary supplement that typically contains 100% of the daily nutrient reference values ​​(NRV) of most of the essential vitamins needed for the human body to function well.

2. How prevalent is micronutrient deficiency in the population?

In the United States of America, according to 2017 data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) , 93% of the US population does not consume the recommended average needs of many vitamins.

3. What are the health problems associated with a lack of micronutrients?

A lack of micronutrients leads to the development of osteoporosis, some forms of cancer and other chronic diseases. Marginal or subclinical micronutrient deficiencies have been associated with symptoms of fatigue and tiredness, a weakened immune system and adverse effects on an individual's cognition and mental health.

4. Which group of individuals are most at risk of micronutrient deficiencies?

Although not a comprehensive list, the following individuals may be at greater risk of deficiencies in multiple micronutrients:

• They consume a slightly varied and balanced diet.
• They consume non-organic foods (most of the time).
• Obesity is usually associated with a diet rich in energy and low in micronutrients such as fruit and vegetables.
• With a low calorie diet.

5. Who should take a multivitamin complex?

Given that eating habits are difficult to change and that some individuals cannot afford nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, at least one daily multivitamin/mineral supplement may be a simple, inexpensive and safe solution to filling nutritional gaps and improving health status. of micronutrients in the population. The multivitamin complex is the most consumed type of dietary supplement in the United States of America.

6. What is the benefit of adding ginger to a multivitamin supplement?

Ginger has multiple health benefits, which come from its two main bioactive components – gingerol and chogaol, and include:

• Help reduce oxidative stress in cells, which is important for controlling joint pain and stiffness and preventing cancer.
• Help control nausea and vomiting.
• Help control weight and insulin levels (diabetes).
• Help control blood pressure and bad cholesterol.
• Help preserve brain function and protect against Alzheimer's.
• Help fight bacterial and viral infections.

7. What are the adverse effects of taking too many multivitamins?

In general, the consumption of multivitamin complexes is considered safe. However, excessive intake of selected micronutrients may not be safe, but the amounts of micronutrients typically included in multivitamin complexes approach or equal the daily nutrient reference values ​​(NRV) for adults. Furthermore, VRN for most micronutrients is considerably lower than the tolerable upper intake level (UL) - the highest level of daily intake of a specific nutrient that is unlikely to pose a risk of adverse health effects in almost all individuals. of a specified age.

Ana Alegria MD 

OM: 41145

Certified in Functional Medicine by IFM (Institute of Functional Medicine)