Dr Lalitha Badul
Most multivitamin preparations usually include the following vitamins and minerals:vitamin C, B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 ( niacin), B6, folic acid (B9), B12, B5 (pantothenic acid), biotin, A, E, D2 or D3 ( cholecalciferol), K, potassium, iodine, selenium, borate, zinc, calcium, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum.
Multivitamin/mineral (MVM) supplements contain a combination of vitamins and minerals, and sometimes other ingredients as well. They go by many names, including multis and multiples or simply vitamins.
The vitamins and minerals in MVMs have unique roles in the body. The long-term health benefits and risks of multivitamins are inconclusive.
If you do not have a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables, a multivitamin may be beneficial as nutritional insurance. A whole foods powder supplement is likely the best bet.
