Multivitamins have become a staple in many bathroom cabinets across the UK, with millions of us taking them daily to support our health and wellbeing. But with so much conflicting information out there, you might be wondering whether they're actually worth the investment.
In this guide, we take a closer look at what multivitamins can (and can't) do for your health, and help you to make an informed decision about whether they should be part of your daily routine.
What are multivitamins?
Multivitamins are supplements that contain a combination of vitamins, minerals, and sometimes other ingredients like herbs or amino acids. They're designed to help fill nutritional gaps in your diet, providing a convenient way to ensure you're getting a wide range of essential nutrients daily.
Most multivitamins contain varying amounts of vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, along with B-complex vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron. The specific formulation can vary widely between products, with some targeted at specific demographics like women, men, or older adults.
At Just Vitamins, our Complete Multivitamin range includes options tailored to different needs and life stages. From our popular One-a-Day Multivitamins to our Hair, Skin & Nails Combo Tablets, our range contains a number of different carefully balanced formulations designed to support overall health.
What do multivitamins do?
The primary purpose of multivitamins is to prevent nutritional deficiencies. Research published by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that while a balanced diet is essential, multivitamins can play a crucial role in addressing deficiencies arising from factors such:
- Busy lifestyles that lead to irregular eating patterns
- Dietary restrictions (vegetarian or vegan diets, for example)
- Life stages with increased nutritional demands (pregnancy, menopause)
- Age-related changes in nutrient absorption
- Seasonal variations in sunlight exposure (affecting vitamin D levels).
Recent studies also suggest that multivitamin use could be especially beneficial for women. 2024 research published in the scientific journal Nutrients, for example, discusses how factors like dietary restrictions, pregnancy, menopause, and age-related changes can lead to nutritional gaps for many women, and how multivitamins can help address these deficiencies.
Additionally, some studies have shown benefits beyond just preventing deficiencies. A recent study from Mass General Brigham, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, indicates that daily multivitamin supplementation may actually help slow cognitive aging in older adults. The research, part of the COSMOS trial, involved over 5,000 participants aged 60 and above, and revealed that those taking a daily multivitamin experienced statistically significant benefits in memory and global cognition compared to a placebo group.
Do multivitamins help with weight loss?
The straightforward answer is no - multivitamins aren't designed for weight loss and won't directly help you shed pounds.
However, there is a more nuanced aspect to consider. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can sometimes affect energy levels, metabolism, and even food cravings. For example, low B vitamin levels might contribute to fatigue, making it harder to stay active. Similarly, magnesium deficiency has been linked to chocolate cravings in some research.
With this in mind, by addressing these underlying deficiencies, a good multivitamin might indirectly support your weight management goals by helping you feel more energetic and reducing certain cravings. But they're not a magic solution - a balanced diet and regular physical activity remain the cornerstones of healthy weight management.
How long does it take for multivitamins to start working?
The timeframe for noticing benefits from multivitamins varies depending on your initial nutritional status and what you're hoping to achieve.
For water-soluble vitamins like B and C, your body can begin absorbing these almost immediately, though you might not feel any different right away. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) take longer to build up in your system.
Some people report improved energy levels within a few weeks of starting a multivitamin, particularly if they were deficient in B vitamins. For other benefits, like improved immune function or skin health, you might need to wait 2-3 months to notice changes.
It's important to remember that multivitamins work best as part of a healthy lifestyle - they should always supplement a good diet rather than replace it.
Is it good to take a multivitamin every day?
For most people, taking a high-quality multivitamin each day is safe and potentially beneficial. The ideal approach is to use multivitamins as they are intended - as supplements to, not replacements for, a nutrient-rich diet. When combined with healthy eating habits, regular exercise, good sleep, and stress management, a daily multivitamin can be a valuable part of your wellness toolkit.
That’s why, for safe and effective use, it's important to choose a well-formulated product that provides balanced amounts of nutrients that work synergistically. To find out more, browse our range of multivitamins here.
A healthy balanced diet is the best way to consume all the nutrients we need. Sometimes however this isn't possible and then supplements can help. This article isn't intended to replace medical advice. Please consult your healthcare professional before trying any supplements or herbal medicines.