Unit 4 Assignment

Byron D. Stanley
May 18, 2021
HW499
Purdue University Global
Prof. K. Henningsen
Objectives
1. What are Multivitamins?
2. What are Nutritional Supplements?
3. Multivitamin Ingredients
4. Health Benefits
5. Can they be harmful?
6. What happens to excess amounts?
7. Should you take them?
8. My Recommendation
Introduction
Multivitamins are a the most commonly used dietary
supplements in the world (Palsdottir, 2021).

Many people believe that they can compensate for

poor eating habits—spoiler, they do not (Palsdottir,
2021).

There is no standard for what constitutes a

multivitamin and their composition varies by brand
(Palsdottir, 2021).
Vitamins and Minerals
Two main types of nutrients (National Institute on
Aging, 2021).
13 essential vitamins
A, C, D, E, K and the B vitamins (National Institute on
Aging, 2021).
 Thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, B6, B12
and Folate (National Institute on Aging, 2021).
Minerals are elements that our bodies need to function
(National Institute on Aging, 2021).
Sodium, iodine, fluoride, calcium, magnesium and
potassium (National Institute on Aging, 2021).
Nutritional (Dietary) Supplements
Products taken by mouth that contain a “dietary
ingredient” (U.S. Food and Drug Administration,
2015).
Include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbs,
among other “substances” (U.S. Food and Drug
Administration, 2015).
Come in many different forms:
Tablets, capsules, powders, energy bars and liquids
(U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2015).
Multivitamin Ingredients
The Food and Drug Administration do not regulate
dietary supplements thoroughly (Palsdottir, 2021).

Labels may not be accurate (Palsdottir, 2021).

May contain ingredients that interact with

medications (Palsdottir, 2021).

Could be derived from real foods or made

synthetically (Palsdottir, 2021).
Health Benefits
Research does not conclusively support multivitamins
preventing heart disease (Palsdottir, 2021).
One study investigated daily use in over 14,000 middle-aged
males for over a decade with no reductions in heart attacks,
strokes or mortality (Palsdottir, 2021).
Studies have shown reduced risks of cancer with some
showing no benefits and no increase was seen (Palsdottir,
2021).
Health Benefits Cont’d
Several studies have linked multivitamins to improved
memory (Palsdottir, 2021).

Multivitamins have been shown to affect mood,

reduce symptoms of anxiety (Palsdottir, 2021).

One study showed taking antioxidant vitamins slow

macular degeneration (Palsdottir, 2021).
Can they be Harmful?
Simple answer, yes they can be, however the most
essential factor is the dosage amounts (Palsdottir,
2021).

Excess certain minerals, such as iron, can lead to

stomach upset, constipation, vomiting and fainting
(Palsdottir, 2021).

Iron can also limit the body’s ability to absorb zinc

(Palsdottir, 2021).
Can they be Harmful? Cont’d.
Pregnant women should avoid excess vitamin A, which has
been linked to congenital disabilities (Palsdottir, 2021).

Smokers should avoid multivitamins with large amounts of

beta carotene or vitamin A which may increase risks of lung
cancer (Palsdottir, 2021).

Faulty manufacturing processes may cause excess amounts of

nutrients than intended (Palsdottir, 2021).
What happens to excess
amounts?
Fat-Soluble
Your body has no way to
get rid of these and
excess amounts my
accumulate in your liver
(Palsdottir, 2021).
Examples: Vitamins A, D,
E and K (Shiel, 2018).
Water-Soluble
Excess amounts are
flushed out by the body
through your urine
(Palsdottir, 2021).
Examples: Vitamins B
and C (Shiel, 2018).
Should you take one?
Typically multivitamins are only needed by specific
populations (Palsdottir, 2021).
Older adults—often vitamin B12 and calcium and
vitamin D(Palsdottir, 2021).
Vegans and Vegetarians—often B12, calcium, zinc, iron
vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids (Palsdottir, 2021).
Those who have undergone weight loss surgery or with
restricted diets (Palsdottir, 2021).
Multivitamins are not a ticket to optimal health
(Palsdottir, 2021).
Recommendation
Supplement with specific nutrients (Palsdottir, 2021).
Iron, Magnesium etcetera

Multivitamins do not compensate for poor diets

(Palsdottir, 2021).
Often packed with nutrients you may not need (Palsdottir,
2021).

Eat a balanced diet to ensure good health (Palsdottir,

2021).
Summary
Multivitamins can be beneficial with proper research.

They do not compensate for poor eating habits.

They are meant to simply supplement your diet.

Be sure you read the ingredients label

Speak with a doctor if you have questions about

starting one.
References
National Institute on Aging. (2021, January 1). Vitamins and Minerals for Older Adults. National

Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/vitamins-and-minerals-older-adults.

Palsdottir, H. (2021, January 28). Do Multivitamins Work? The Surprising Truth. Healthline.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/do-multivitamins-work.
Shiel, W. (2018, January 11). Which Vitamins are Water Soluble and Fat Soluble? MedicineNet.
https://www.medicinenet.com/water_soluble_vitamins_vs_fat_soluble_vitamins/ask.ht m.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2015, July 15). FDA 101: Dietary Supplements. U.S. Food
and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/fda-101-
dietary-supplements.