Multivitamin supplementation and deficiency
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Multivitamin Supplementation and Micronutrient Deficiency: Prevalence and Impact
Prevalence of Micronutrient Deficiency in the General Population
Micronutrient deficiencies are common, even in countries with abundant food supplies. About one-third of the U.S. population is at risk of at least one vitamin deficiency or anemia, with higher risks seen in women, non-Hispanic blacks, people from low-income households, and those who are underweight or obese. The risk is especially high among women aged 19–50 and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Notably, people who do not use dietary supplements have the highest risk of deficiency, while those using full-spectrum multivitamin-multimineral supplements have a much lower risk .
Multivitamin Supplementation: Reducing Deficiency and Improving Nutritional Status
Consistent use of multivitamins is linked to a lower prevalence of micronutrient inadequacies and improved nutritional biomarker status, particularly for folate, iodine, selenium, and vitamins B6, B12, and D in middle-aged to older adults. Both sporadic and consistent multivitamin use help reduce deficiencies, with obese individuals benefiting more from sporadic use. However, multivitamin use can increase the proportion of people exceeding the upper intake level for folic acid .
In older men, multivitamin/multimineral supplementation prevents or reverses declines in blood vitamin concentrations and helps maintain cellular energy metabolism, though it does not significantly affect blood mineral levels . Multivitamin supplements are generally well tolerated and do not increase the risk of mortality or major cardiovascular events. Their benefits are particularly notable in older adults and may help prevent conditions like anemia, neural tube defects, and osteoporosis .
Specialized Multivitamin Supplementation After Bariatric Surgery
After bariatric surgeries such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy, patients are at high risk for vitamin and mineral deficiencies due to restricted nutrient absorption. Studies show that specialized multivitamin supplements, designed for post-surgery needs, are more effective than standard supplements in reducing deficiencies in vitamin B12, vitamin D, ferritin, zinc, and anemia. These specialized supplements help maintain higher serum concentrations of key nutrients and reduce the prevalence of deficiencies compared to standard supplements or no supplementation Homan2016Heusschen2022Van Eijgen2020. Adherence to supplementation is crucial, as non-users of multivitamins are most likely to develop poor nutritional status over time .
Multivitamin Supplementation and Mental Health
Nutritional deficiencies can negatively affect brain and neurological function. Multivitamin supplementation supports brain and body health, and may help address psychiatric problems by supporting neurotransmitter pathways and reducing oxidative stress .
Considerations and Evolving Perspectives
While multivitamin/multimineral supplements help reduce micronutrient inadequacies, there is a potential risk of excessive intake of certain nutrients, such as folic acid. The role of multivitamins in chronic disease prevention remains debated, but some evidence suggests benefits for cancer and cardiovascular disease risk reduction. The field is moving toward more personalized nutrition approaches, considering individual genetic and lifestyle factors .
Conclusion
Multivitamin supplementation is effective in reducing the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies, especially in at-risk populations such as older adults, bariatric surgery patients, and those with poor dietary intake. Specialized formulations are particularly important for individuals with unique needs, such as post-bariatric surgery patients. While multivitamins are generally safe and beneficial, attention should be paid to avoid excessive intake of certain nutrients. Regular use of multivitamins, especially when tailored to individual needs, can play a key role in maintaining nutritional adequacy and supporting overall health.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Multivitamins and Nutritional Adequacy in Middle-Aged to Older Americans by Obesity Status
Multivitamin use improves micronutrient status and decreases clinical deficiency prevalence in middle-aged to older adults, particularly in those with obesity.
Multivitamin/Multimineral Supplementation Prevents or Reverses Decline in Vitamin Biomarkers and Cellular Energy Metabolism in Healthy Older Men: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Multivitamin/multimineral supplementation improves vitamin status and cellular metabolism in healthy older men, but does not significantly affect mineral concentrations.
Risk of Deficiency in Multiple Concurrent Micronutrients in Children and Adults in the United States
Nearly one-third of the U.S. population is at risk of deficiency in at least one vitamin, or has anemia, with higher risk in women, non-Hispanic blacks, low income individuals, and underweight individuals.
An optimized multivitamin supplement lowers the number of vitamin and mineral deficiencies three years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a cohort study.
Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) Forte is more effective in reducing anemia, ferritin, vitamin B12, and zinc deficiencies three years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass compared to a standard multivitamin supplement and control group.
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