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Multivitamins/multiminerals (MVMs) are the most frequently used dietary supplements, with close to half of American adults taking them. MVMs cannot take the place of eating a variety of foods that are important to a healthy diet. Foods provide more than vitamins and minerals. However, some people who don’t get enough vitamins and minerals from food alone, or who have certain medical conditions, might benefit from taking one or more of these nutrients found in single-nutrient supplements or in MVMs. If you take vitamin or mineral supplements, here are a few points to remember:
- You may not need a supplement. Most people can get all the vitamins and minerals they need from a healthy diet.
- Taking a daily dose of a basic vitamin and mineral supplement is unlikely to pose a health risk for most people. But if you take high-dose supplements or more than one supplement, you might get more of some nutrients than is safe. Check the product labels to find out how much you’re taking.
- Evidence to support the use of MVMs for overall health or disease prevention in the general population remains limited. Talk with your health care provider about whether you might need supplements.
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