Multivitamins in the test: A placebo effect or health benefits?

Most people take supplements daily and are constantly trying to compare multivitamins in reviews. However, there is little evidence that such supplementation or mineral supplements have a positive impact on health. However, this of course excludes people who are knownVitamin or mineral deficiencyout of. While taking vitamins daily can make people feel better, in most cases this is likely just the placebo effect, a new study finds.

Multivitamins tested from personal experience

The study compares self-reported and clinically measurable health outcomes in a group of more than 21,000 consumers and non-consumers. Of those, 4,933 said they regularly take multivitamins or mineral supplements, while 16,670 said they do not. Researchers found that supplement users reported 30 percent better overall health. These results suggest that the widespread use of multivitamins among adults may be due to individuals' positive expectancy. This links supplement consumption with better health outcomes, or is due to a self-selection bias in which multivitamin users generally hold more positive views about their health, the researchers say. The study found that people who regularly took vitamins were older and had higher household incomes compared to non-users. They were also more likely to be women, college graduates, married, and have health insurance. Many of these factors are associated with better health and quality of life.

So people who take multivitamins may be naturally more positive, according to the study authors. However, the observational study relied on self-reported vitamin consumption and health assessments. The researchers also did not examine how these might have changed before and after starting to take vitamins regularly. There is also some evidence to support vitamin and mineral supplementation under certain circumstances. Such an example would be folic acid for people during pregnancy orVitamin D preparationsfor older adults, especially those with limited sun exposure. However, most multivitamins in the test contain relatively small amounts of many nutrients that cannot correct an underlying deficiency. However, a multivitamin can provide gentle support for someone who needs different nutrients that may be deficient.

Correct approach

A healthy diet should first always include foods that meet nutritional needs. There are people who are looking for a magic pill in the form of a supplement rather than changing what is on their fork. However, supplements should not be ruled out if the placebo effect helps users believe they are taking positive steps for their health. However, vitamin supplements are not a replacement for a healthy, balanced diet. When scientists look at the evidence, there is a clear link between dietary habits and health outcomes such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even cancer. One of the most important findingsthis studyis that diet is important for health. The additional intake of vitamins only plays a role in special circumstances or if a deficiency is known.