There comes a point in every man’s life where they start considering taking supplements. While in most cases, the supplements are gym-related, in our case, the supplements in question are multivitamins. Many multivitamins come in the form of sweet, chewable gummies, but these are quite useless if you are looking for actual results, which brings us to the main topic of whether or not multivitamins affect the men who use them. Read on to learn the truth about multivitamins and how they can affect your health.
WHAT ARE MULTIVITAMINS?
It seems like a redundant question to ask because the name gives it away, but to truly understand a multivitamin’s power, you need to gain a little more knowledge. Other than a range of vitamins, the supplements almost always contain minerals and often with a mixture of amino acids and natural herbs. It sounds like a wholesome mix of ingredients and it is, indeed, wholesome. Nevertheless, one thing that keeps people wary and untrusting is that according to the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, dietary supplement companies don’t have to get FDA approval to sell their products. But, before you make up your mind, you should keep in mind that supplements aren’t approved as drugs because they aren’t expected to have the same potency and effectiveness as drugs. However, they are more or less considered a form of food because, at the end of the day, they are dietary supplements. The one thing you should be aware of is that they are a double-edged sword, so to speak.
THEY CAN BE GOOD FOR YOU
It’s not likely that all of your nutritional needs are fulfilled through your regular diet. In fact, right now, you’re probably lacking some vitamins and minerals without even knowing. Headaches, bad mood, frequent injuries at the gym, and unwanted weight loss are all symptoms of various vitamin deficiencies. Taking a multivitamin or two a day is a sensible decision to make, especially as you grow older. According to a 2003 study done by the Division of Cardiovascular Epidemiology in Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, using low doses of multivitamins can help prevent heart attacks. That being said, make sure you check with your doctor before you introduce any new supplements to your diet. This way, you can avoid any reactions or complications that may arise due to existing health conditions. Plus, it is also recommended to ask them about the recommended dosage for you because it differs from a person to another.
THEY CAN ALSO BE BAD FOR YOU
As is the case with pretty much everything in life, multivitamins, too, have their own downsides. For one, people don’t seem to recognize that they can overdose on minerals or vitamins. Niacin, Vitamins A, and D, among many other substances, can be fatal if consumed in excessive amounts. This means that taking exceeding the recommended dosage can seriously harm you. Now, because dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA, not all products contain the same dosages and ratios, which can be dangerous for individuals with certain health conditions. Vitamin A, for example, has been associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers. So, it wouldn’t be a good idea for a smoker to take a multivitamin or supplement with a high vitamin A concentration. This is why it is important that you consult with a doctor before you start supplementing your diet with any multivitamin.
CAN I TRUST MY MULTIVITAMIN?
Multivitamins are not harmful, provided that you consume them in moderation as per the doctor’s recommendation. This is something that you should always keep in mind. Nevertheless, not all multivitamins are effective. There are companies out there that value money more than integrity and low production costs more than effectiveness. To stay safe, look up product reviews on the internet and check the ingredients of the product you’re interested in before buying it. That way, you can learn all about the benefits and drawbacks of that multivitamin, and whether or not it is actually effective. When you’re done with your research, check with your doctor to see what they think and ask them to explain how these ingredients can improve your health so you can set your expectations accordingly. In time, you’ll learn to separate the good brands from the bad ones.
Regardless of the rumors that you might have heard about them, multivitamins are dietary supplements that offer many great benefits, especially to those who don’t get enough nutrients from their regular diets. The one thing you should keep in mind, though, is that multivitamins are meant to supplement a healthy diet; they are by no means a substitute for a balanced diet. So, make sure you’re getting most of your nutrients from natural sources, but when you do opt for multivitamins, check the label and consult your doctor.
