The Ugly Truth About Multivitamins
The Great Debate: The Bad
Health professionals and individuals who oppose the supposed benefits of vitamins argue there are potential risks associated with taking a daily dose of vitamin supplements, such as it has a placebo effect. This results in patients not receiving the full nutritional value they believe they are getting and patients are essentially paying for ‘expensive pee.’ The extreme side of the debate is that experts warn about the potential dangers of toxicity or essentially overdosing on vitamins, which can cause the body to go into a state of shock. Many who believe vitamin supplements do not work will also argue a pill cannot mimic the natural composite of food and will not be able to provide a healthy amount of the vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients found in food.
The Bright Side Of Taking Multivitamins
A multivitamin or a singular dosage of a vitamin is a supplement intended to supply the body with its most essential vitamins and minerals it may be lacking, which can help sustain physical and mental health, and help the body perform its daily activities. Vitamins are loaded with coenzymes, which facilitates the metabolic processes involved in protecting DNA, repairing cellular damage, and providing the body with energy, which can come in a convenient little capsule. As the term supplement suggests, the intention of multivitamins and single doses of specific vitamins are meant to supplement the nutritional gaps in a patient’s diet, rather than replace the important role that food plays in providing the body with nutrition.
Some research shows vitamin supplements can benefit the body by providing more energy, clearer skin, anti-aging, enhanced memory, improved cognitive abilities, lower risk of nutritional deficiencies, maintaining muscle strength, stronger bones, less stress, and increased sexual function. Multivitamins are also believed to help reduce the risk of cancer, dementia and Alzheimer’s and reduce the effects of aging, such as preventing wrinkles and memory loss.
