Multivitamin-mineral supplements are the most commonly used dietary supplement. Recent studies indicate that nearly 50% of adults in the United States take a multivitamin-mineral at least three times per week. Women are more likely to use multivitamin-mineral supplements (56% for women vs. 48% for men).
Daily use of a multivitamin can help to prevent or correct nutritional deficiencies. Multivitamins provide a combination of vitamins and minerals to help insure sufficient daily intake.
There are hundreds of multivitamin preparations which vary in both composition and quality. Some supplements contain only vitamins, some only minerals, and some contain other ingredients such as probiotics or herbs.
A recent study of the cost benefits of multivitamin-mineral supplements for older adults calculated that the potential net savings resulting from daily intake is approximately $1.6 billion. Reductions in infectious disease and cardiovascular diseases are sources of greatest savings.25
Multivitamins have been shown to improve nutrient status, particularly for those at risk for deficiencies such as people with type II diabetes mellitus, those with a poor diet, and the elderly.
Epidemiologic and clinical trials suggest that multivitamin-mineral supplements reduce risk for prostate, colon, and stomach cancer with long-term use.
Daily multivitamin-mineral supplements with folic acid may reduce risk for cardiovascular disease.
Multivitamin-mineral supplements slow progression of age-related cataract.
Daily multivitamin-mineral supplements many reduce viral respiratory tract infections.
For people with type II diabetes mellitus, daily multivitamins have been shown to reduce infectious illness.
Recent studies indicate that multivitamin-mineral supplements may have beneficial effects for children with autism and for people with high stress
A daily multivitamin-mineral supplement are recommended by the following:
CDC (March of Dimes): Recommends a daily multivitamin-mineral supplement containing at least 400 mcg folic acid for women of child bearing age.
Older Americans Act: President Bush and Congress recently signed into law the Older Americans Act, which recommends a daily multivitamin-mineral supplement for all seniors on meal assistance programs.
American Dietetic Association: Recommends a daily multivitamin-mineral supplement for populations with special needs (see above), including anyone who is not eating a healthy, balanced diet.
Harvard School of Public Health: Recommended a multivitamin for all adults and children
While classic micronutrient deficiency diseases such as scurvy, beriberi, pernicious anemia, and rickets are rare in the United States, recent studies indicate than many people currently have low levels of certain micronutrients. These reduced levels may contribute to development of chronic disease, infectious disease, and symptoms of stress, fatigue, and decreased mood.
Studies estimate that half of the population of the United States is functionally deficient in vitamins B6, B12, C, E, folic acid, niacin, iron, or zinc. Low levels of these micronutrients are thought to contribute to DNA damage potentially leading to development of cancer.
Ten percent of women and 5% of men consume less than 50% of the RDA for vitamin B12.
Ten percent of people in the United States consume less than 50% of the RDA for vitamin B6.
Iron deficiency is also common: 25% of women of menstruating age consume less than 50% of the RDA for iron. Approximately 20% of children in the United States Women, Infants, and Children program were found to be anemic.
Ten percent of the U.S. population consumes less than 50% of the RDA for zinc.
A daily multivitamin-mineral supplement has been recommended as an efficient and economic way to alleviate micronutrient deficiencies and improve intake levels.
Selecting a high quality multivitamin and mineral supplement is important. Consumers can select high quality supplements by looking to trusted companies. A United States Pharmacopeia (USP) or Dietary Supplement Verification Program (DSVP) symbol on the product label indicate that the product has been tested for quality by the USP.
Healthy adults should look for supplements containing nutrients at or near the RDA or DRI recommended levels. It is important to note that, in most cases, this level of supplementation is not possible with a single tablet (multiple tablets may be necessary).
Tablets are the most widely available and most studied form of multivitamin supplements. Effervescent multivitamins, drink mixes, liquid multivitamin preparations, and even multivitamin candies are also available. The shelf life of tablets is generally longer than for liquid forms.
Healthy adults: researchers suggest that a daily multivitamin-mineral supplement can help reduce risk for cardiovascular disease, cancer, infection, birth defects and promote good mental health.
People over 60: for people over 60, a moderate daily multivitamin with vitamin B12 and vitamin D may be most beneficial. High levels of vitamin A can increase risk of hip fracture and should be avoided. High levels of iron can promote oxidative stress; supplements should contain less than 9 mg of iron.
Women: Daily multivitamin-minerals containing B vitamins and 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid have been recommended for women who could become pregnant or who take oral contraceptives.
People with diabetes: People with diabetes are at high risk for development of nutrient deficiencies. A daily multivitamin-mineral can help prevent deficiencies and may have additional benefits.
Dieters: People who are trying to lose weight often deprive themselves of essential nutrients. A daily multivitamin-mineral supplement can help to prevent deficiencies.
Alcohol: Consumption of alcoholic beverages depletes the body of essential nutrients; a daily multivitamin-mineral supplement can help to alleviate depletion.
Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplementation and prostate cancer prevention in the SU.VI.MAX trial
A subset of the Supplémentation en Vitamines et Minéraux Antioxydants (SU.VI.MAX) study investigated the effect of multivitamin and mineral supplementation on prostate cancer risk. This eight year study included 3,616 men randomized to consume either a multivitamin and mineral supplement or a placebo daily. Overall, the study found a moderate, non-significant decrease in risk for prostate cancer in the multivitamin and mineral group (hazard ratio 0.88). However, when stratified for prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels, an important qualification became evident. For men with normal PSA concentrations (less than 3 mcg/L) at baseline, supplementation with these vitamins and minerals resulted in a significant reduction in risk for prostate cancer (hazard ratio 0.52). For men with elevated PSA levels at baseline, consumption of the multivitamin and mineral supplement was associated with an increase in risk for development of prostate cancer (hazard ratio 1.54). The authors concluded that nutritional doses of these antioxidant vitamins and minerals could help to prevent prostate cancer in those with normal PSA levels.1Supplement composition: vitamin C (120 mg), vitamin E (30 mg), beta-carotene (6 mg), selenium (100 mcg), and zinc (20 mg)
The SU.VI.MAX study: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the health effects of antioxidant vitamins and minerals
The Supplémentation en Vitamines et Minéraux Antioxydants (SU.VI.MAX) study included 13,067 men and women in France and investigated the effect of a multivitamin preparation on cancer, cardiovascular disease, and mortality. Participants consumed a daily multivitamin-mineral supplement or a placebo for an average of 7.5 years. Daily consumption of the multivitamin-mineral supplement reduced risk for cancer in men by 31% versus placebo but not in women. Similarly, all cause mortality risk was reduced in men by 37% for men but not for women. Baseline antioxidant status was lower in the men than the women which may explain these differences. No beneficial effect on ischemic cardiovascular disease was found. Supplements similar to those used in the SU.VI.MAX study may help to improve nutrient status and reduce cancer risk, especially for men.2
Supplement composition: vitamin C (120 mg), vitamin E (30 mg), beta-carotene (6 mg), selenium (100 mcg), and zinc (20 mg)
Multivitamin use, folate, and colon cancer in women in the Nurses’ Health Study
The Nurses’ Health Study began in 1976 when 121,700 female registered nurses completed mailed health and nutrition surveys. Since its inception, the study has been updated every two years. An epidemiologic study involving 88,756 women from the Nurses’ Health Study investigated the potential associations between multivitamin use, folic acid intake, and colon cancer. Food sources were the primary source of folic acid for women in the lowest categories of folic acid intake. In the higher categories, multivitamins were the primary source of folic acid. For women consuming daily multivitamins, no reduction in risk for colon cancer was noted with less than four years of supplement use (RR 1.02). Non-significant reductions of risk were found for five to nine years (RR 0.83) or ten to fourteen years (RR 0.80) of supplement use. However, a significant reduction in risk for colon cancer emerged after fifteen years of folic acid containing multivitamin use (RR 0.25). Thus, it is suggested that long-term use of folic acid containing multivitamin supplements may reduce risk for colon cancer by 75% in women.16
Nutrition intervention trials in Linxian, China: supplementation with specific vitamin/mineral combinations, cancer incidence, and disease-specific mortality in the general population
A large nutritional intervention trial was conducted in Linxian county, China with 29,584 adult men and women, aged 40 to 69 years. The study investigated the efficacy of specific vitamin and mineral combinations on mortality, particularly from cancer. Linxian county, China has one of the highest rates of esophageal and gastric cardia cancer. There were four treatment regimens: vitamin A with zinc, riboflavin with niacin, vitamin C with molybdenum, or beta-carotene with vitamin E and selenium at one to two times the RDA. Treatment with beta-carotene with vitamin E and selenium resulted in a significant decrease in all cause mortality rates. This reduction was primarily due to a reduction in cancer deaths and especially stomach cancer deaths. Supplementation for one to two years was necessary before these benefits became evident.12
Reduction of C-reactive protein levels through use of a multivitamin
A six month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effect of a commercially available multivitamin-mineral product on C-reactive protein concentration. Eighty-seven men and women participated in the trial; plasma concentrations of vitamins C, E, B6, B12, folic acid, beta-carotene, and C-reactive protein were measured at baseline and after six months of supplementation. C-reactive protein was significantly reduced in subjects taking the daily multivitamin-mineral compared to those taking the placebo. This effect was most evident for people who had elevated C-reactive protein at baseline. These results may indicate a positive effect of multivitamin-mineral products with similar composition on cardiovascular disease risk.3
Supplement composition: vitamins A (5000 IU), C (1 g), D (400 IU), E (800 IU), K (25 mcg), B6 (25 mg), B12 (400 mcg), thiamine (3 mg), riboflavin (10 mg), niacinamide (20 mg), folic acid (800 mcg), biotin (300 mcg), pantothenic acid (10 mg), iodine (500 mcg), magnesium (400 mg), zinc (15 mg), selenium (100 mcg), copper (2 mg), chromium (100 mcg), potassium (400 mg), choline (500 mg), lycopene (10 mg), lutein (6 mg), and coenzyme Q10 (50 mg)
3
Multivitamin/mineral supplementation improves plasma B-vitamin status and homocysteine concentration in healthy older adults consuming a folate-fortified diet
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effect of daily multivitamin and mineral supplementation on homocysteine concentrations. Eighty free-living men and women aged 50 to 87 years with total plasma homocysteine concentrations of at least 8 micromol/L participated in the eight week study. Subjects participated in a one week run-in period and were then randomized to receive either an effervescent multivitamin/mineral supplement or a placebo daily. Daily multivitamin and mineral supplements significantly increased plasma concentrations of folic acid, pyridoxal phosphate, and vitamin B12 (41.6%, 36.5%, and 13.8%, respectively). Mean plasma homocysteine concentrations were decreased by 9.6% with multivitamin and mineral supplementation in this study.11
Supplement composition: vitamins A (1500 RE), D (10 mcg), E (10 alpha-TE), K (25 mcg), C (250 mg), B6 (2 mg), B12 (6 mcg), thiamin (1.5 mg), riboflavin (1.7 mg), niacin (20 mg), biotin (30 mcg), folic acid (400 mcg), pantothenic acid (10 mg), boron (0.15 mg), calcium (162 mg), chromium (65 mcg), iodine (150 mcg), manganese (3.5 mg), molybdenum (160 mcg), nickel (5 mcg), phosphorus (109 mg), potassium (80 mg), selenium (20 mcg), tin (10 mcg), vanadium (10 mcg), zinc (15 mg), and silicon (2 mg)11
Multivitamin supplements are inversely associated with risk of myocardial infarction in men and women—Stockholm Heart Epidemiology Program (SHEEP)
The Stockholm Heart Epidemiology Program investigated possible factors associated with heart disease in Sweden. In this epidemiologic study, the association between self-selected multivitamin-mineral supplements and risk of myocardial infarction was assessed. One-thousand-two-hundred-ninety-six men and women with a first nonfatal myocardial infarction and 1,685 controls enrolled in the study. Fifty-seven percent of women and 35% of men in the control group used dietary supplements. Of those with a myocardial infarction, 42% of women and 27% of men used dietary supplements. Eighty-seven percent of the dietary supplements used were multivitamin-mineral products. For supplement users versus nonusers, the odds ratios of a myocardial infarction were 0.79 for men and 0.66 for women. This epidemiologic evidence indicates that low dose multivitamin-mineral supplements may reduce the risk for myocardial infarctions.19
Complex multivitamin supplementation improves homocysteine and resistance to LDL-C oxidation
A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigated the impact of a multivitamin-mineral supplement on the cardiovascular disease risk factors elevated homocyteine concentration and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) oxidation. One-hundred-eighty-two men and women aged 24 to 79 years participated in this six month study. Subjects were randomized to receive either a placebo or a daily multivitamin-mineral supplement. After six months of supplementation, the multivitamin-mineral supplemented group exhibited significant elevations of plasma concentrations of vitamins B6, B12, C, E, folic acid, and beta-carotene (versus placebo). Homocysteine concentrations demonstrated greater reductions in the multivitamin-mineral supplemented group than the placebo group (1.45 micromol/L versus 0.75 micromol/L; statistically significant). In addition, the LDL-C oxidation rate was reduced and the lag time was increased with multivitamin-mineral supplementation for six months. This study indicates that a multivitamin-mineral supplement may help reduce risk for cardiovascular diseases by lowering homocysteine and improving LDL-C oxidation indices.20
Supplement composition: mixed retinols (5000 IU), vitamins C (1 g), D (400 IU), E (800 IU), K (25 mcg), B6 (25 mg), B12 (400 mg), thiamine (3 mg), riboflavin (10 mg), niacinamide (20 mg), folic acid (800 mcg), biotin (300 mcg), pantothenic acid (10 mg), iodine (150 mcg), magnesium oxide (400 mg), zinc oxide (15 mg), selenium chelate (100 mcg), c
A 24 week open-label pilot trial investigated the efficacy of a multivitamin-mineral supplement on risk factors for cardiovascular disease. One-hundred-forty-one men and women completed the trial. Subjects consumed a daily multivitamin-mineral supplement for 24 weeks and relevant parameters were assessed at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. Vitamins B6, B12, C, E, beta-carotene, and folic acid were significantly increased from baseline at both 12 and 24 weeks. Total homocysteine concentrations were significantly reduced after 12 weeks with no further reductions. Total homocysteine concentrations were correlated with vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid concentrations. LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) oxidation rate was significantly reduced by 12 weeks and further reduced at the 24 week analysis, versus baseline. LDL-C oxidation lag time was significantly increased by 12 weeks. Vitamin C was the only nutrient correlated with LDL-C oxidation rate in this study. This pilot trial indicates that a commercially available multivitamin-mineral preparation positively influenced risk factors for cardiovascular disease.21
Supplement composition: vitamins A (5000 IU), C (1 g), D (400 IU), E (400 IU), K (25 mcg), B6 (50 mg), B12 (400 mg), thiamine (3 mg), riboflavin (10 mg), niacinamide (20 mg), folic acid (800 mcg), biotin (300 mcg), pantothenic acid (10 mg), iodine (150 mcg), magnesium oxide (400 mg), zinc oxide (15 mg), selenium chelate (100 mcg), copper gluconate (2 mg), chromium chelate
A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E and beta-carotene for age-related cataract and vision loss: AREDS report no. 9
The eleven-center Age Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) investigated the effect of antioxidant containing multivitamin-mineral tablets on cataract and age-related macular degeneration. The study lasted 6.3 years and included 4,629 men and women aged 55 to 80 years with at least one natural lens. Subjects were randomized to consume tablets containing vitamins (C (500 mg), E (400 IU), and beta-carotene (15 mg)), mineral tablets (ZnO (80 mg) and CuO (2 mg)), vitamins and minerals, or a placebo. No benefit was found with any of the treatments in this well-nourished group. No adverse effects were noted.4
The Roche European American Cataract Trial (REACT): a randomized clinical trial to investigate the efficacy of an oral antioxidant micronutrient mixture to slow progression of age-related cataract
A three month trial in the United States and the United Kingdom investigated the efficacy of a mixture of vitamin C (750 mg), vitamin E (600 mg), and beta-carotene (18 mg) for slowing the progression of cataract development. Subjects with early age-related cataract were enrolled in this randomized, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial from clinics in the US and UK. A total of 445 people were eligible for the trial and 297 were randomized to the multivitamin or placebo groups after a three month run-in period. Subjects were followed-up every four months for up to four years: 231 for two years (78%), 158 for three years (53%), and 36 for four years (12%). A small positive effect from the multivitamin supplementation was evident in the US patients after two years. After three years, a positive effect was evident in both the US and UK patients consuming the multivitamin preparation. These data demonstrated that this combination of beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E slowed progression of age-related cataract.13
Use of vitamin supplements and cataract: the Blue Mountains Eye Study
In a prospective, population-based study of 2,873 people, the association of vitamin use with cataract development was assessed. As a part of the Blue Mountains Eye Study, participants filled out a detailed food frequency questionnaire that included dietary supplements. Use of multivitamin-mineral supplements was associated with a reduction in incidence of nuclear cataract (odds ratio 0.6). Longer use of multivitamin-mineral supplements was associated with reduction in risk for both nuclear and cortical cataract. Overall, use of multivitamin-mineral supplements, B vitamins, and vitamin A supplements was found to reduce risk for nuclear and cortical cataracts.22
Effect of a dietary supplement containing probiotic bacteria plus vitamins and minerals on common cold infections and cellular immune parameters
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a probiotic bacteria/multivitamin-mineral supplement to prevent common cold infections. Four-hundred-seventy-seven men and women (average age 36 years) were randomized to receive either a daily multivitamin or a placebo for three or 5.5 months. Viral respiratory tract infections were reduced by 13.6% in the supplemented group. Overall, respiratory tract infection symptoms declined by 19%, influenza symptoms were decreased by 15% and days with fever were reduced by 54% in the supplemented group. No changes in the duration of illness were noted. Leukocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes were significantly increased in the supplemented group during the first fourteen days of supplementation. These data suggest that probiotic bacteria/multivitamin-mineral supplements similar to those evaluated in this study may help to reduce viral respiratory tract infections.17
Effect of multivitamin and multimineral supplements on morbidity from infections in older people (MAVIS trial): pragmatic, randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial
The MAVIS trial investigated the efficacy of a multivitamin and mineral supplement on infection in people over 65 years of age. Nine-hundred-ten men and women who did not take any dietary supplements participated in the trial. Subjects were randomized to receive either the multivitamin and mineral supplement or a placebo daily during the one year trial. Taking the multivitamin and mineral supplements did not reduce the number or duration of infections experienced during the trial.5
Supplement composition: vitamins A acetate (800 mcg), C (60 mg), D3 (5 mcg), E acetate (10 mg), B12 (1 mcg), thiamin (1.4 mg), riboflavin (1.6 mg), niacin (18 mg), pantothenic acid (6 mg), pyridoxine hydrochloride (2 mg), folic acid (200 mcg), iron fumarate (14 mg), potassium iodide (150 mcg), copper gluconate (0.75 mg), zinc oxide (15 mg), and manganese sulfate (1 mg)
5
Effect of a multivitamin and mineral supplement on infection and quality of life. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effect of a multivitamin and mineral supplement on infection in people with and without type II diabetes mellitus. One-hundred-thirty men and women aged 45 to 64 years with (51) and without (79) type II diabetes mellitus participated in the study. Subjects consumed a placebo or multivitamin and mineral supplement daily for one year. Overall, 73% of the placebo group and only 43% of the multivitamin and mineral group reported infectious illness during the study period. Infection related absenteeism was significantly higher in the placebo versus the multivitamin and mineral groups (57% and 21%, respectively). When stratified for type II diabetes mellitus, all of the multivitamin and mineral benefits were accounted for by the subjects with diabetes. Among those with type II diabetes mellitus, 93% of the placebo group and only 17% of the multivitamin and mineral group reported infectious illness. Thus, a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement significantly reduced the incidence of infectious illness for those with type II diabetes mellitus.6
Effect of daily vitamin E and multivitamin-mineral supplementation on acute respiratory tract infections in elderly persons: a randomized controlled trial
The efficacy of vitamin E and multivitamin-mineral supplements on the incidence and severity of respiratory tract infections was investigated. Subjects were randomly assigned to consume the multivitamin-mineral supplement, 200 mg vitamin E acetate, both, or a placebo. Neither the multivitamin-mineral supplement nor the vitamin E supplement reduced the incidence of respiratory illness. However, the vitamin E supplement significantly increased the severity of illness. Vitamin E supplementation increased illness duration compared to placebo (19 days versus 14 days, respectively), number of symptoms (6 versus 4, respectively), presence of fever (36.7% versus 25.2 %, respectively), and activity restriction (52.3% versus 41.1%). These results suggest that multivitamins and vitamin E are not beneficial for preventing respiratory tract infections in well-nourished people.7
Supplement composition: vitamins A (600 mcg), C (60 mg), E (10 mg), D (5 mcg), K (30 mcg), B12 (1 mcg), beta-carotene (1.2 mg), thiamin (1.4 mg), riboflavin (1.6 mg), niacin (18 mg), pantothenic acid (6 mg), pyridoxine hydrochloride (2.0 mg), biotin (150 mcg), folic acid (200 mcg), zinc (10 mg), selenium (25 mcg), iron (4.0 mg), magnesium (30 mg), copper (1 mg), calcium (74 mg), phosphorus (49 mg), manganese (1.0 mg), chromium (25 mcg), molybdenum (25 mcg), and silicon (2 mcg)
Daily intake of multivitamins during long-term intake of olestra in men prevents declines in serum vitamins A and E but not carotenoids
The fat substitute olestra has been shown to reduce serum concentrations of vitamin A, vitamin E, and carotenoids. To investigate the effects of a diet containing olestra and the impact of multivitamin supplementation on serum vitamin concentrations, a randomized clinical trial was conducted. Forty-five healthy, overweight males, aged 21 to 60 years completed the 36 week study. All subjects consumed a control diet consisting of 33% digestible fat, 52% carbohydrate, and 15% protein during a three-week run-in period. Subjects were then randomized to continue the control diet, consume a fat-reduced diet (25% digestible fat, 58% carbohydrate, and 17% protein), or a fat-substituted diet (25% digestible fat, 58% carbohydrate, 17% protein, and 19.6-45.2 g/d olestra) for 36 weeks. All subjects consumed a commercially available multivitamin. By twelve weeks, subjects consuming the olestra diet had significant reductions in beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein/zeaxanthin. Supplementation with a multivitamin containing vitamins A and E successfully prevented olestra-derived reductions in retinol and alpha-tocopherol.8 Supplement composition: vitamins A (3500 IU), C (60 mg), D (400 IU), E (30 IU), K (25 mcg), B6 (2 mg), B12 (6 mcg), thiamin (1.5 mg), riboflavin (1.7 mg), niacin (20 mg), folic acid (400 mcg), biotin (30 mcg), pantothenic acid (10 mg), calcium (162 mg), iron (18 mg), phosphorus (109 mg), iodine (150 mcg), magnesium (100 mg), zinc (15 mg) selenium (20 mcg), copper (2 mg)
Plasma changes in micronutrients following a multivitamin and mineral supplement in healthy adults
The bioavailability of riboflavin, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and copper from a multivitamin tablet was assessed. Fifteen adult volunteers (average age 42 years) participated in the four part trial. Each volunteer visited the study center four times, randomly assigned to a test of intestinal permeability, a test meal, the test meal plus a whole multivitamin, and the test meal plus a crushed multivitamin. Bioavailability of the seven nutrients was assessed as the area under the curve for the twelve hours following the meal. From crushed or whole tablets, riboflavin, folic acid, and vitamin C AUC were significantly higher than the meal alone. Vitamin B12 AUC was significantly higher than the meal alone only from the crushed tablet. Conversely, iron AUC was only significantly higher than the meal alone from the whole tablet. No increases in copper and zinc were noted. Intestinal permeability was only associated with absorption of vitamin B12.9
Supplement composition: vitamins A (3500 IU), C (60 mg), D (400 IU), E (30 IU), K (25 mcg), B6 (2 mg), B12 (6 mcg), thiamin (1.5 mg), riboflavin (1.7 mg), niacin (20 mg), folic acid (400 mcg), biotin (30 mcg), pantothenic acid (10 mg), calcium (162 mg), iron (18 mg), phosphorus (109 mg), iodine (150 mcg), magnesium (100 mg), zinc (15 mg) selenium (20 mcg), copper (2 mg), manganese (2 mg), chromium (120 mcg), molybdenum (75 mcg), chloride (72 mg), potassium (80 mg), boron (150 mcg), nickel (5 mcg), silicon (2 mg
The effects of a multivitamin/mineral supplement on micronutrient status, antioxidant capacity and cytokine production in healthy older adults consuming a fortified diet
The efficacy of a multivitamin and mineral supplement to improve micronutrient status among older adults was assessed in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Eighty adults aged 50 to 87 years participated in the eight week trial, consuming a daily effervescent multivitamin-mineral supplement or a placebo. The multivitamin-mineral supplement significantly increased the plasma concentration of vitamins C, D, B12, and E, pyridoxine phosphate, and folic acid, and increased the riboflavin activity coefficient. No changes in vitamin A or thiamin were noted. No changes in glutathione peroxidase, antioxidant capacity, interleukin-2, -6, -10, or prostaglandin E2 were found. This multivitamin supplement reduced the prevalence of suboptimal levels of vitamin E, vitamin B12, and vitamin C and could reduce risk for certain chronic diseases.10
Pilot study of a moderate dose multivitamin/mineral supplement for children with autistic spectrum disorder
A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study evaluated the effects of a commercially available multivitamin and mineral supplement in children with autism. Twenty children aged 3 to 8 years with autistic spectrum disorder participated in the study. At baseline, children with autistic spectrum disorder had significantly higher vitamin B6 levels (75% higher) and significantly lower levels of vitamin C than a control group of age and sex matched normal children. The children were randomly assigned to receive the multivitamin-mineral supplement or a placebo for three months. Subjects in the multivitamin-mineral group consumed increasing levels of a liquid multivitamin and mineral supplement for 50 days and then maintained the highest dose for the remainder of the study; each child was given a maximum dose of 3 mL supplement per 5 pounds bodyweight. For the children with autistic spectrum disorder who consumed the multivitamin-mineral supplement, statistically significant improvements in sleep and gastrointestinal problems were reported.14
Supplement composition: (per 30 mL) pro-vitamin A mixed carotenoids (10,500 IU), lutein and zeaxanthin (84 IU), vitamins B1 (30 mg), B2 (25 mg), B3 (35 mg), B5 (25 mg), B6 (30 mg), B12 (1.6 mg), C (800 mg), D3 (150 IU), E (250 IU), folic acid (800 mcg), biotin (150 mcg), choline (60 mg), inositol (60 mg), mixed bioflavonoids (400 mg), calcium (275 mg), chromium picolinate (100 mg), magnesium ascorbate (200 mg), manganese succinat
A double-blind, placebo-controlled, double-centre study of the effects of an oral multivitamin-mineral combination on stress
This double-center study investigated the effect of a multivitamin-mineral supplement on stress in 300 people with high stress levels. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either the multivitamin or a placebo for 30 days and symptoms of stress were assessed on day one (baseline) and on day 30. During the course of the study, both groups had significant improvements in stress symptoms. The multivitamin-mineral group had greater improvements than the placebo group. This study suggests that a daily multivitamin-mineral may help to alleviate symptoms of stress. 15
The effects of an oral multivitamin combination with calcium, magnesium, and zinc on psychological well-being in healthy young male volunteers: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Eighty healthy male volunteers, aged 18 to 42 years, from the University of Birmingham campus participated in a study evaluating the efficacy of a multivitamin-mineral supplement to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress. Subjects were randomly assigned to consume a daily multivitamin-mineral supplement or placebo for 28 days. The multivitamin-mineral supplement significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety and perceived stress. Those who consumed the multivitamin also tended to feel less tired and better able to concentrate. This study indicates that a multivitamin-mineral supplement may be able to improve symptoms of stress and anxiety.24
Supplement composition: vitamins B1 (15 mg), B2 (15 mg), B6 (10 mg), B12 (10 mcg), C (500 mg), niacin (50 mg), pantothenic acid (23 mg), biotin (150 mcg), folic acid (400 mcg), calcium (100 mg), magnesium (100 mg), and zinc (10 mg)
The dietary supplement information contained on this site has been compiled from published sources thought to be reliable, but it cannot be guaranteed. Efforts have been made to assure this information is accurate and current. However, some of this information may be purported or outdated due to ongoing research or discoveries. The authors, editors and publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences from applications of the information in this site and make no warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to the contents herein.
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