You may have heard that taking a daily multivitamin is an easy way to stay healthy as you get older. Friends, family members, TV commercials, and social media often make supplements sound like a simple fix for better energy and overall health.
But the question remains - do you really need a multivitamin?
The answer is it depends. Your health, diet, medications, and lifestyle are all factors in whether a multivitamin is right for you. Age, medications, diet, and certain health conditions can all affect vitamin levels. Some people benefit from supplements, while others may already get the nutrients they need from food.
Because vitamins can affect energy, immunity, and overall health, many people wonder whether they should take supplements. In fact, more than half of adults in the United States take dietary supplements, according to the National Institutes of Health.
What is a multivitamin
A multivitamin is a supplement that contains a mix of vitamins and minerals. Most include nutrients like:
Multivitamins come in different forms, including tablets, capsules, chewables and liquids. They are meant to help fill nutritional gaps when you may not get enough nutrients from food alone.
Why vitamins and minerals matter
Vitamins and minerals help your body work properly every day.
They help:
Without enough vitamins and minerals, you may feel tired, weak, or just not like yourself.
Should I take a multivitamin
The answer to this varies from person to person as everyone’s nutritional needs are different. This is especially true for older adults because as you age, your body changes. You may absorb nutrients differently, eat less, or take medications that affect your vitamin levels.
In addition, some nutrients also become more important with age. Here are a few nutrients your primary care doctor or advanced practice provider* (APP) may discuss with you.
For some people, a multivitamin may help prevent vitamin deficiencies that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Food first, supplements second
It is important to remember that your body usually absorbs nutrients better from food than from supplements. Taking supplements you do not need may also add extra cost without improving your health.
You should try to eat a balanced diet that includes:
Consider trying the Mediterranean or DASH diet to help in choosing the right foods to stay healthy. Adopting healthy habits like eating balanced meals, staying active, sleeping well, and managing stress can all support you in healthy aging.
Can multivitamins be harmful
Many vitamins are safe when taken correctly but taking too much of certain vitamins and minerals can cause problems.
For example:
Some supplements can also interact with prescription medications or worsen certain health conditions. That is why it is important to talk with your doctor, APP or pharmacist before starting a new vitamin or supplement.
Choosing the right multivitamin
If your doctor or APP recommends a multivitamin, here are a few simple tips to help choose the right one.
Before adding a multivitamin to your routine, talk with your doctor, APP or pharmacist for recommendations.
When should you talk with your doctor or APP
You may want to speak with your doctor or APP if you:
Not everyone needs vitamin testing, but your doctor or APP may recommend it based on your symptoms, medications, or health history. They may also recommend lab testing to check your vitamin levels and help you decide whether supplements are right for you.
Multivitamins can be helpful for some adults, especially if your vitamin levels are low or your nutritional needs have changed. But they are not a magic solution for better health. Healthy eating, regular movement, good sleep, and preventive care still matter most.
Before starting a new vitamin or supplement, remember to talk with your doctor or APP. They can help you choose safe options that fit your health needs and lifestyle.
*An advanced practice provider includes a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
To schedule an appointment with nurse practitioner Lucia Sierra, please contact Village Medical - Memorial Clinical Associates at 713-407-3000 or visit us at 16001 Park Ten Pl., Suite 300, Houston, TX 77084. We look forward to caring for you and supporting your health every step of the way.