Several health-conscious Americans feel that taking a multivitamin or multi-mineral (MVM) supplement is a simple and effective method to guarantee to get all of the minerals they need. The cabinets of pharmacies are stocked with a variety of dietary supplements. When it comes to deciding on goods that best fit their nutritional needs, most patients may feel overwhelmed.
During counseling, physicians should remind patients that nutritional and mineral supplements should be taken with a well-balanced diet, not as a replacement for a diverse diet. Pharmacies may also help patients choose the correct vitamin supplements and detect any drug/micronutrient combinations and prohibitions.
Even though most individuals achieve their dietary requirements through diet exclusively, many people choose to take regular multi-mineral supplements. According to recent research published by the Center for Disease Control, only around 10% of the populace has vitamin deficiencies.
Another research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that the usage of MVM doses is on the rise. According to the study, calcium, vitamin B12, and folic acid are the most frequent mineral supplements. MVM supplements were the best-selling and most preferred nutritional supplements amongst clients, whether single-entity or combined products. MVM supplements were considered necessary by 56 percent of those polled to achieve their general personal and professional goals.
Types of MVM supplements
- Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that produces retinol
Function: Essential for good eyesight, skin and mucous membrane growth, bones and dental formation, and immune system function.
Deformations: Acute poisoning might include headaches, photophobia, malnutrition, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, sleepiness, restlessness, and convulsions in the patient.
- Thiamine is found in Vitamin B1
Function: Myocardial activity, carbohydrates, fat, amino acid, glycogen, and alcohol digestion, somatic and autonomic nerve cell operation
Deformations: Excessive consumption and oral dosages as high as 500 mg have been recorded as harmless when absorbed orally by the kidneys.
- Riboflavin is a B vitamin (vitamin B2)
Function: Participation in glucose and energy metabolism, mucous membrane preservation, and cell respiration
Deformations: Vitamin B2 toxicity is rare; there is no known fatal dosage; and because it is soluble in water, excessive levels of the vitamin are flushed through the kidneys, resulting in a brilliant, luminous yellow hue in the urine.
- Folic acid (vitamin B9)
Function: Purine, pyrimidine, and methionine production maturity of red blood cells; fetal nervous system progression
Deformations: Because it is water-soluble, it is unlikely to pose any harm when taken orally.
- Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Function: Oxidation-reduction processes; carbohydrate and cell nutrition
Deformations: Flushing, palpitations, hypertension, vasodilation, increased intracranial blood supply, diarrhea, and vomiting are all symptoms of acute poisoning.
- Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant (ascorbic acid)
Function: Collagen production, bone and blood vessel stability, synthesis of carnitine, hormones and amino acids, tissue repair.
Deformation: Diarrhea, headaches, cramping, and nephrolithiasis are all possible side effects of high dosages.
- Vitamin D is an important nutrient (cholecalciferol & ergocalciferol)
Function: Utilization of calcium and phosphate, thyroid and insulin function, immunological function enhancement, autoimmune illness decrease, mineralization and regeneration of bone, capillary reabsorption of Ca2+
Deformation: Muscle ache, lethargy, migraine, malnutrition, restlessness, nausea, puking, kidney stones, hypercalcemia, and bone pain are all symptoms of acute poisoning.
- Pantothenic acid is vitamin B5
Function: It’s a progenitor of coenzyme A, a substance involved in various biological processes. It’s crucial for cholesterol, steroids, and fatty acid production.
Deformations: Since it is water-soluble, it is universally perceived harmless; there is no known damage or upper limit. However, diarrhea and fluid retention have been observed in dosages of 10 gm or more.
Fat-soluble vitamins and minerals include A, D, K, and E. Highly water-soluble vitamins are C and B.
Several manufacturers are developing and selling MVM supplements to suit the nutritional demands of diverse patient groups at all phases of life, making MVM supplement purchasing simpler. Cardiovascular health, the immunological system, ocular health, digestion, and energy demands are all supported by specialty MVM supplements packed with necessary nutrients. Chewable pills, tablets, fluids, gum pellets, and gummies are some of the dose forms provided for MVM supplements.
The Pharmacy’s Opinion
Pharmacists should evaluate a patient’s medical and pharmaceutical history before suggesting any MVM supplement to them, especially those older or who have pre-existing medical complications. They should also inform patients about potential drug/micronutrient combinations or restrictions. Calcium, potassium, and zinc, for instance, may interfere with the absorption of medications such as tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones.
Metformin and antiulcer drugs may reduce vitamin B12 and folic acid intake, while antidepressant medicines may cause low levels of vitamins B6, D, and B12. Warfarin’s anticoagulant effects are reduced by vitamin K.
Ascorbic acid plus APAP, pyridoxine, vitamin D, cyanocobalamin, folic acid, vitamin B3, and vitamin E. When paired with ibuprofen are the most prevalent combinations with multi Mineral supplements.
To avoid gastric disturbance, patients must always be encouraged to take the appropriate amounts of MVM supplements and take them with their diet. During counseling, patients should be aware that these doses prevent micronutrient deficiencies and maintain nutritional reserves, not for self-treatment of nutrient deficiencies. Individuals who show indications of nutritional deficiency should indeed be reported to their general practitioner.
What Should You Be Wary Of?
When considering purchasing a dietary or multivitamin supplement, be careful to read the product’s claims. Mainly on the labeling, check for a Natural Product Number (NPN) or a DIN-HM (Homeopathic Medicine Number). Health Canada has not authorized supplements that do not include one of these codes on the package.
A few things to think about:
- An essential (or store-branded) supplement is often equally as effective as a name-brand vitamin. Look for supermarket versions that have the same quantity of vitamins and nutrients as the brand-name version.
- The majority of synthesized (manufactured) vitamins are just as effective as organic vitamins. No supplement has been proven to cure cancer, diabetic patients, cardiovascular disease, or gastrointestinal issues. If something appears to be too exciting, it most likely is commendable not to use. Supplements that claim immediate and dramatic benefits should be avoided.
To reduce potential sensitivities, prescribers should examine for therapeutic duplications if the patient is receiving additional nutritional supplements, notably fat-soluble mineral supplements.