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Do Multivitamins Work and How Do You Know If You Need One?

Do multivitamins work? Get the truth about their potential benefits and side effects. While they might be beneficial for some, they aren't for all.

Sara Novak
BySara Novak
Credit: ADragan/Shutterstock

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My mother-in-law (a retired nurse and dietitian) used to say that in the U.S., we have some of the most expensive pee in the world. We’re taking so many vitamins and minerals to stay healthy and then urinating those pricey supplements right out.

In truth, the absorption of nutrients via a daily multivitamin depends on a host of factors, including the quality of the supplement, whether you have certain diseases that prevent the absorption of nutrients, and the type of vitamin and mineral.

The effectiveness of multivitamins is a topic of ongoing research and debate in the nutrition and medical communities. Whether multivitamins work depends on several factors, including an individual's dietary needs and health status. Here are some key considerations:

For individuals with specific nutrient deficiencies, multivitamins can be beneficial in replenishing those nutrients. They are particularly useful for people with dietary restrictions, certain health conditions, or those who ...

  • Sara Novak

    Sara Novak

    Sara Novak is a science journalist and contributing writer for Discover Magazine, who covers new scientific research on the climate, mental health, and paleontology.

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