Introduction
The multivitamins are among the best-selling supplements in the world. Many people take them every day "to stay in shape", but are they really useful? Or is it just a marketing reflex?
In this article, we analyze the benefits, limitations and situations in which they are relevant.
What is a multivitamin?
A multivitamin is a supplement that combines several :
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Vitamins (A, B, C, D, E, K)
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Minerals (magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium, iodine...)
The aim is to cover the recommended daily intake to avoid deficiencies.
The benefits of multivitamins
1. Prevent mild deficiencies
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Useful if your diet is unbalanced
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Help with restrictive diets (vegetarian, vegan, rapid weight loss)
2. Practical
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A single tablet → an all-round contribution
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Time-saving for those who don't eat a varied diet
3. Comprehensive health support
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Energy (B vitamins, magnesium)
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Immunity (vitamins C, D, zinc)
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Antioxidants (vitamin E, selenium)
The limits of multivitamins
1. Not always well balanced
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Some formulas contain too few active ingredients → ineffective
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Others are overdosed → useless, even risky
2. Not a substitute for good nutrition
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They complement but do not correct an unbalanced diet
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The nutrients (fiber, polyphenols) cannot be reproduced
3. Variable effectiveness depending on profile
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Little effect on people who are already healthy and well nourished
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Greater interest in deficient populations (seniors, intensive athletes, vegans)
Should I take it?
The answer depends on your your lifestyle and diet :
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Yes if :
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Unbalanced diet
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Persistent fatigue
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Vegan or restrictive diet
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Increased needs (athletes, pregnant women, seniors)
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Not required if :
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A varied and balanced diet
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No confirmed deficit
Conclusion
The multivitamins are not indispensable for everyone.
They are useful useful in cases of deficiency or specific needsThey are not a substitute for a healthy diet.
Tip Choose quality formulas with the right dosage and adapted to your profile, rather than low-end generic multivitamins.