While the effectiveness of vitamins and multivitamins is often debated, one crucial step is frequently overlooked: consulting your doctor.
In fact, skipping that step is the #1 mistake people make when starting a new vitamin or multivitamin regimen. Many begin without seeking medical advice, unaware of the potential risks. Checking with a doctor first can get ahead of a range of potential issues before they arise. Let's explore why this is so important.
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1 | Vitamins can interact with medications or personal health conditions.
man in brown sweater wearing black framed eyeglassesPhoto by Towfiqu barbhuiya on UnsplashEveryone is different and we all have our own personal health histories. This is an equation in putting anything into our body, including vitamins. Yale New Haven Health sums up some of the risks of vitamin-drug interactions that can occur after "absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of medications" along with vitamin intake. For example, Vitamin C may interfere with chemotherapy and statin medications.
“If you feel you need something else in your diet, your doctor can make sure there aren’t any underlying conditions that may be the reason you feel the need to supplement,” advised Brittany Langdon, PharmD, a pharmacist at Yale New Haven Hospital.
2 | It's easy to underdose or overdose.
white round medication pill on yellow surfacePhoto by Diana Polekhina on UnsplashThis goes both ways: a low vitamin dose won't provide intended benefits, while overdosing can lead to harmful effects. The goal is to maximize benefits without overdoing it, and doctors can offer the best guidance to ensure your vitamin intake is both safe and effective.
It's also important to consider Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs), nutrition benchmarks established by the Food and Nutrition Board to meet the needs of healthy individuals. Doctors are best suited to help interpret these guidelines based on your specific health profile. Additionally, they can track your vitamin levels over time, assess their impact, and make more precise recommendations using blood tests and other key health indicators.
3 | Vitamins are often unnecessary.
person holding medication pillsPhoto by Kayla Maurais on UnsplashThe American Medical Association (AMA) notes that while vitamins or nutritional supplementals can be beneficial, they can also pose health risks. As pointed out by Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, MD, MPH, MPA of Massachusetts General Hospital, "With regards to vitamins, most of us are able to get our required nutrients via our diet." Simply, people are taking vitamins when they don't need to.
4 | The FDA doesn't regulate vitamins.
gold and silver heart shaped accessoryPhoto by Nicolas Solerieu on UnsplashKeep in mind that the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate vitamins or supplements, and they've very clear about that. Along those lines, you really need to do your homework before taking a vitamin or supplement, and consulting a doctor is a great way to do that. As the FDA says, if you hear about "a cure or quick fix" that sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
5 | Your doctor knows best.
woman in white button up shirt and blue stethoscopePhoto by JESHOOTS.COM on UnsplashAs Harvard Health sums up, based on the Physicians' Health Study II, the top consideration should always be: “Ask your doctor." They'll be able to determine if you need to take a multivitamin, if you have a vitamin deficiency, and how to go about it the right way.
Why chance it? Just have a conversation with your doctor so you can safely take vitamins, align with the right dosage, and live a healthier life.
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