Should you take a multivitamin? The answer isn’t a simple “yes” or “no.” People should be getting the majority of their nutrients through their diet. Multivitamins should be included in a diet with good reason, and are usually best and recommended for people who are not getting enough nutrients through the food they eat on a daily basis. Overall, multivitamins are a dietary supplement.
There are pros and cons of taking vitamins. If a person’s diet is lacking nutrients, vitamins can help fill in the gaps where a person may have a deficiency. They can help boost the body’s energy and response to stress. The majority of people who have a healthy diet don’t need vitamin supplements. If a person is sick, a multivitamin can help the body get all the vitamins and minerals it needs to recover and recuperate faster. People with strict or specific diets can also benefit from a multivitamin (vegan, vegetarian, and lower-calorie diets), because these diets are often lacking certain vitamins. For example, many vegans have been known to not get enough proteins and B-vitamins in their diet, so a multi can help supplement their diet. Pregnant women also benefit from taking a prenatal multivitamin, which supports both the mother and the baby; the vitamin can also lower the risk of many congenital anomalies in the baby. With men and women over 65 years in age, a multivitamin can help improve cognitive functioning.
On the other hand, multivitamins can also be detrimental to the body in certain ways. Niacin, and vitamins A, B6, C, and D can cause toxicity symptoms in the body when taken in high dosages. If a person takes more vitamin A and D than they need, it will be stored in the body, because they are fat-soluble. Signs of toxicity include: itching, headache, flushed skin, upset stomach, confusion, heart-rhythm issues, and kidney stones. Many water-soluble vitamins found within the multivitamin are excreted out of the body if a person is consuming more than he or she needs, so the vitamin then becomes a waste.
Dr. Kordonowy of Internal Medicine, Lipids, and Wellness uses a biophotonic scanner to access the storage or lack of stored health anti-oxidants in a person’s skin. To learn more about Dr. Kordonowy’s thoughts on vitamins and more about his scanner, click here: http://thedoctorsreport.net/2013/12/negative-news-for-multivitamins-are-there-reasons-to-question-conclusions-from-the-media/
Every person’s dietary needs are different. It’s best to consult with a doctor on if a multivitamin is right for you. If it’s not necessary, you can save yourself money on the added supplement and continue to focus on having a nutrient-rich diet.
If you want to make sure your body isn’t lacking vitamins or if you’re taking the correct supplements, contact Dr. Kordonowy at Internal Medicine, Lipids, and Wellness in Fort Meyers at 239-362-2005, Ext. 200.
