A preparation containing several vitamins and sometimes minerals, used as a dietary supplement.
A dietary supplement that supplies the essential vitamins and minerals that people do not always obtain in sufficient amounts in their regular diets. Multivitamins, which often contain minerals, are usually taken daily. Taking a multivitamin does not compensate for poor food choices, and the health risks of high intakes of fat and refined sugars are not offset by multivitamin supplements. It is best to get necessary vitamins and minerals by eating a wide variety of foods. However, a multivitamin may be helpful for people who, for a variety of reasons, are not getting all the nutrients they need. Supplements may help individuals who are ill, older, vegetarian, or on low-calorie diets. Women who are breast-feeding, pregnant, or planning to be pregnant usually require multivitamins. For those who choose to take a multivitamin, doctors recommend products that provide no more than 100 percent of the Daily Value for vitamins and minerals. Too much of certain vitamins can pose health risks.
Over-the-counter products, which contain a mix of vitamins, are used as dietary supplements.