As the name suggests, multivitamins are supplements that contain various vitamins. Spencer Kroll, MD, of Kroll Medical Group in Morganville, New Jersey, describes them as “dietary supplements that typically contain fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins.” Multivitamins are sold in liquid, oral, and sometimes injectable forms.
They can be manufactured in different formulations with different vitamin combinations, which is why there are so many on the market. “Some have more mineral content,” he says. “Some contain additional concentrations of vitamins, such as vitamin D, which may be more important for preventing osteoporosis in women.”
What do multivitamins do?
For people at risk of nutritional deficiencies, multivitamins can help fill in the gaps in nutrients in the diet. Specifically, it helps you achieve the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) or Adequate Intake (AI) of certain vitamins and minerals that cannot be obtained from food alone.
Some people choose to take multivitamins to prevent chronic disease, but research on this potential health benefit is mixed.
What ingredients do women’s multivitamins typically contain?
The most common types of vitamins found in multivitamins are:
Multivitamins also typically contain minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, iodine, magnesium, manganese, copper, and zinc, Dr. Kroll added.
