Taking a multivitamin daily may improve your health, and increase your quality of life, but it may also have some negative effects. It is important to know that taking a multivitamin is not the best way to get all of your vitamins and minerals, and it may interfere with the way your body absorbs certain nutrients. HealthTap brings you the basic health related knowledge, which can help you identify and answer your health queries efficiently
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Can increase risk of birth defects
During pregnancy, multivitamins and folic acid supplements are recommended for preventing birth defects. Although they may help reduce the risk of certain birth defects, they may also increase the risk of other defects. In this study, researchers examined the relationship between maternal multivitamin and folic acid supplement use and the incidence of birth defects. Almost 900 infants were included in the study. Their birth defect risk was evaluated using an adjusted relative risk (ARR).
A protective association was found for folic acid supplement use and the incidence of limb reduction defects. However, it was unclear whether this association was limited to limb defects, or if it extended to other birth defects. Supplement use was associated with reduced risk for genital organ, abdominal wall, and total birth defects.
Another potential protective association was found for women who used folic acid antagonists during embryonic development. These antagonists include phenytoin, carbamazepine, and triamterene. They are commonly used drugs and may act as a counteracting effect to the folic acid effect.
May increase quality of life
Taking a daily multivitamin is not the best way to stay healthy. The best way to stay healthy is to eat a balanced diet based on whole foods. This is more likely to lead to optimal health over the long term. To get the most out of your multivitamin, choose one with the following ingredients: 400mcg folic acid, 50mg of vitamin B3, 400mg of vitamin B6, a dash of vitamin B12.
As you can imagine, there are many products on the market to choose from. For example, Centrum is tested in two clinical trials. Although its multivitamin is an adequate substitute for an adult, it may not be for you. For some people, a multivitamin is their safety net. It can be challenging to take pills, which is why chewable vitamins are a popular option. If you can’t take the pill, you can opt for a multivitamin-infused drink.
Taking a multivitamin is a sensible choice for most people. They are meant to supplement a balanced diet. For those at risk for specific nutritional deficiencies, opting for a more targeted supplement is the smart choice.
Can help picky eaters
Using multivitamins can help picky eaters get the nutrients they need. They may not be getting enough of certain vitamins and minerals or may be suffering from underlying health conditions. The good news is that these supplements are often palatable and easy to take.
Children should eat a variety of healthy foods to stay healthy and strong. Foods such as fruits and vegetables provide many vitamins, and minerals, as well as fiber and protein. A diet rich in whole foods is also important. However, not all multivitamins are created equal. Some can be difficult to swallow. They can also be chalky or large.
Depending on your child’s needs, your doctor may recommend a vitamin supplement. For example, zinc and magnesium have been shown to affect behavior and mood. They also support brain function. You may want to consider vitamin D, iron, or B6. They are important for energy production and supporting a healthy nervous system.
