Multivitamins and mineral supplements

Multivitamins and minerals are sold as combinations of vitamins and/or minerals and seem to have gotten more comprehensive in recent years. Often other ingredients are included and their benefits touted. Many packages are aimed at specific target audiences such as seniors or women. Many people take them as a precaution against not getting proper amounts through their diet, but are they a good idea? Recent research has not shown any benefit from taking them. Healthy people who take them were not shown to have less chance of getting heart disease or diabetes and other diseases.

Ironically, research has shown that the people who don't get enough nutrients from their diets are the people least likely to take vitamins.

People should get their vitamins and minerals from food which also has other benefits that supplements do not provide. For people who have a poor nutrient diet, taking a multivitmain/mineral supplement may be insurance for them and there does not seem to be a risk if taken at the dosage recommended.

Read the comprehensive guide to multivitamins and minerals.

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