Multivitamin benefits women
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Benefits of Multivitamins for Women
Cognitive Benefits in Elderly Women
Memory and Cognitive Function
Multivitamin supplementation has shown potential benefits for cognitive function in elderly women. A study involving 56 elderly women with memory complaints found that 16 weeks of multivitamin supplementation improved the speed of response in spatial working memory tasks. Additionally, the supplementation led to increased levels of vitamins B6 and B12 and a decrease in homocysteine levels, which are associated with cognitive health1.
Reproductive Health and Pregnancy Outcomes
Prevention of Birth Defects
Multivitamin supplements, particularly those containing folic acid, are crucial for women of reproductive age. They have been associated with a significant reduction in the risk of neural tube defects and other congenital anomalies. Health guidelines recommend that women planning pregnancy should start multivitamin supplementation at least three months before conception and continue through the first trimester to ensure optimal folate levels2.
Reduced Risk of Pre-eclampsia
Multivitamin use during the first trimester of pregnancy has been linked to a reduced risk of pre-eclampsia, especially among overweight and obese women. A study found that multivitamin supplementation reduced the risk of pre-eclampsia by 67% in the general population and by 55-62% in overweight and obese women9.
Improved Hematologic Status in HIV-Infected Women
For HIV-infected pregnant women, multivitamin supplementation has been shown to improve hemoglobin levels and reduce the risk of anemia. This is particularly important as anemia is a common complication in HIV-infected individuals and can lead to faster disease progression and higher mortality rates3.
General Health Benefits
Antioxidant Defense and Oxidative Stress
Multivitamin and mineral supplementation can enhance the antioxidant defense system in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). This supplementation helps reduce oxidative stress by modulating levels of antioxidant vitamins such as vitamins A, C, and E in serum and follicular fluid4.
Psychological Wellbeing and Inflammatory Markers
While the evidence is mixed, some studies suggest that multivitamin supplementation may have a positive impact on psychological wellbeing and inflammatory markers in women experiencing psychological distress. One study noted improvements in pro-inflammatory cytokine profiles, although the psychological benefits were not significantly different from the placebo group7.
Safety and Long-Term Use
Safety of Long-Term Use
Long-term use of multivitamin/mineral supplements is generally considered safe. Studies have shown that multivitamin use within the recommended dietary intake does not lead to excess intake or increased mortality. Minor adverse events, such as gastrointestinal symptoms, were reported, but no significant differences were found between treatment and placebo groups6.
Conclusion
Multivitamin supplementation offers several benefits for women, including improved cognitive function in the elderly, reduced risk of birth defects and pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, and enhanced antioxidant defense. Additionally, it is safe for long-term use, making it a valuable addition to women's health regimens. However, the quality of evidence varies, and further research is needed to confirm these benefits across different populations and health conditions.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Memory improvements in elderly women following 16 weeks treatment with a combined multivitamin, mineral and herbal supplement
16 weeks of multivitamin supplementation may improve working memory in elderly women at risk of cognitive decline, but other cognitive processes were not observed.
RCT
Rigorous JournalPre-conceptional vitamin/folic acid supplementation 2007: the use of folic acid in combination with a multivitamin supplement for the prevention of neural tube defects and other congenital anomalies.
Folic acid and multivitamin supplementation before pregnancy can help prevent neural tube defects and other congenital anomalies.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedMultivitamin supplementation improves hematologic status in HIV-infected women and their children in Tanzania.
Multivitamin supplementation during pregnancy and in the postpartum period significantly improves hematologic status in HIV-infected women and their children, reducing the risk of anemia.
RCT
Large Human Trial
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedMultivitamin and mineral supplementation modulates oxidative stress and antioxidant vitamin levels in serum and follicular fluid of women undergoing in vitro fertilization.
Multivitamin and mineral supplementation in women undergoing IVF may strengthen their antioxidant defense system by decreasing oxidative stress and increasing antioxidant vitamin levels.
Non-RCTHighly CitedA randomized trial to determine the optimal dosage of multivitamin supplements to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes among HIV-infected women in Tanzania.
A single dose of the Recommended Dietary Allowance may be as effective as multiple doses in decreasing the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes among HIV-infected women.
RCTLarge Human TrialVery Rigorous JournalMultivitamin/mineral supplements: Rationale and safety.
Multivitamin/mineral supplements can be safely used for long-term use (>10 years) with only minor adverse events and do not increase mortality.
Systematic ReviewEffects of vitamin supplementation on inflammatory markers and psychological wellbeing among distressed women: a randomized controlled trial.
Multivitamin supplementation did not improve psychological state but had a positive impact on pro-inflammatory cytokine profiles in women experiencing stress.
RCTA randomized trial of multivitamin supplements and HIV disease progression and mortality.
Multivitamin supplements effectively delay HIV disease progression and provide an effective, low-cost means of delaying antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected women.
RCTLarge Human TrialHighly CitedFirst trimester multivitamin/mineral use is associated with reduced risk of pre-eclampsia among overweight and obese women.
First trimester multivitamin/mineral use is associated with a 67% reduction in pre-eclampsia risk, particularly in overweight and obese women.
Observational StudyMultivitamin use and adverse birth outcomes in high‐income countries: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Routine multivitamin use in high-income countries can be recommended but with caution due to low quality evidence.
Meta-AnalysisRigorous Journal