Are Multivitamins Bad For You?
Short answer
Multivitamins may be beneficial for those struggling with a vitamin deficiency. Otherwise, they don't do much and can cause many unwanted side effects when overconsumed.
Recommended Alternative
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Most of us grew up with chewable vitamins and continued the daily routine into adulthood. Many bodybuilders also use them as a supplement. In fact, surveys show that half of Americans currently use a multivitamin. While the routine has been ingrained in each of us, there is little evidence to support that multivitamins are actually improving our immune systems.
Instead of taking a daily multivitamin, take a closer look at your diet. The vitamins and nutrients found in daily supplements can be found in the elements of a normal, healthy diet. A diet that includes fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains most likely provides the recommended amount (or more) of nutrients. A healthy diet also offers far more benefits than a multivitamin. Now that we know that multivitamins are, in most cases, unnecessary, the next question is whether they might actually be causing harm. There are certainly some individuals who suffer from a vitamin deficiency and benefit from adding a vitamin to their diet. However, many others take a vitamin as a way to excuse an unhealthy diet. There is no miracle pill that can take the place of a good food.
For those that do already maintain a healthy lifestyle, vitamins could be causing harm. Taking vitamins in addition to receiving the nutrients from healthy foods and fortified foods can put you well over the daily recommended levels. This can cause serious health problems. For example, an excess of vitamin A has been shown to increase the likelihood of lung cancer in smokers. Calcium helps to build stronger bones, but an excess can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. More common and not as serious side effects of multivitamins include rashes, nausea, itchiness, chest tightness, numbness, and swelling. If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking your multivitamin immediately and consult a physician.
Possible short-term side effects
- rash
-
itchiness
-
chest tightness
-
numbness
-
swelling
-
nausea
-
diarrhea
-
cramps
Possible long-term side effects
- increased risk of disease when overconsumed
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- fight vitamin deficiency
-
convenient
Healthier alternatives
- fruits
-
vegetables
-
a well-balanced diet
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Raw One Women's Multivitamin
- Promotes women's health
- Includes fruits & veggies
- Probiotic-enhanced
- Vegetarian formula
- Gluten-free
Learn More!
Please turn your Ad Blocker off to see this content. Thank you!
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Brendan Quigley
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Brendan Quigley
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Approved by 
