Top Benefits of Taking Multivitamin Capsules

Introduction

The idea of taking vitamin supplements is not new, but the COVID-19 pandemic brought renewed attention to their potential benefits. These supplements may support our natural immunity and be beneficial against infections such as those caused by the coronavirus. 

Vitamins are essential building blocks of the body and help maintain good health. Many people believe that multivitamin supplements can help make up for poor eating habits and may even reduce the risk of chronic diseases. 

Even when we try to eat well, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep, we can still fall short on key nutrients.  

The demands of a busy lifestyle may lead to stress, inadequate rest, and less-than-ideal diets which can all take a toll on our health¹. 

What are Multivitamins?

Multivitamins are a combination of different vitamins and minerals typically available in food sources. Taking a multivitamins daily can help us make up for nutritional gaps and support our health in a natural way. They offer a convenient solution to meet your body’s daily requirements for key nutrients, helping ensure you get the vitamins and minerals you need every day². 

Are Multivitamins All We Need?

Not everyone needs multivitamins, especially if they maintain a balanced diet and are in good health. However, there are situations where multivitamins are recommended. For example, women of childbearing age are advised to take folic acid daily to support reproductive health and help prevent birth defects. 

Taking multiple vitamins personalised for your needs is better than taking one multivitamin, but finding a specific supplement and vitamin routine can be difficult and time-consuming. In such cases, it’s better to take a single capsule of a multivitamin than taking multiple pills of different vitamins³. 

What Do Multivitamins Contain?

As the name suggests, multivitamins are supplements that contain various vitamins and minerals. The human body requires thirteen vitamins and sixteen minerals to support healthy growth. 

In addition to these core nutrients, many multivitamin formulas also include other beneficial compounds like herbs, amino acids, and fatty acids⁴. 

Health Benefits of Multivitamins

1. Increases Energy Levels

When our bodies don’t get the nutrients they need, it can make us feel weak and lethargic. A regular course of multivitamin capsules as per your doctor’s advice can help you regain your energy. Combined with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and healthy lifestyle habits, multivitamins can play a key role to keep you energetic and fit⁵. 

2. Boosts the Immune System

The multivitamin tablets can help support and strengthen the immune system, especially when they contain nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin D. Vitamin C and vitamin E are antioxidants that may help to reduce allergy symptoms¹. 

3. Keeps Heart Healthy  

The heart is a vital organ of the body and keeping it healthy is necessary. Various studies² suggest that high-quality multivitamin tablets use may reduce cardiovascular diseases. Vitamins B1, B2, B6, K1, niacin, and magnesium all play a role in cardiovascular health.^ 

4. Supports Eye Health

Vitamin A is also known as an eye vitamin because of its benefits. It helps to improve eye sight and reduce age-related macular degeneration that may cause permanent eye damage. One study² suggests vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants may slow down the progression of macular degeneration. 

5. Maintains Muscle Strength  

Free radicals in the body can be harmful, as they contribute to muscle ageing and other age related problems. These free radicals can be neutralised by antioxidants, which are present in multivitamin capsules. Regular intake of multivitamins can support your body’s defense against oxidative stress and promote healthier aging⁵. 

6. Reduces Cancer Risk

Research² suggests taking multivitamins may have potential protective effects in specific groups of cancer. But take these supplements as per your doctor’s advice. 

7. Improves Brain Function  

Some vitamins and fatty acids have shown to slow down or help prevent memory loss. For example, vitamins like vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, herbal supplements such as Ginkgo Biloba may help support brain function^2,5. 

8. Reduces Stress & Depression

Multivitamin tablets may have the potential to significantly reduce stress and depression symptoms due to the combination of the vitamins and minerals included in them. Vitamin B supplements, in particular, may help stimulate the nervous system. Getting adequate vitamins and minerals may improve the brain functions responsible for mood regulation⁵. 

9. Beneficial for Skin 

Vitamins and minerals play a vital role in maintaining healthy, glowing skin. Nutrients like vitamin E and vitamin C are especially beneficial—they help nourish the skin, retain its natural moisture, and protect it from dryness. These vitamins also act as antioxidants, defending the skin against damage from free radicals and environmental stressors, which can speed-up aging. Regular intake of these nutrients may support a smoother, more radiant complexion⁶.^ 

10. Good for Healthy Hair  

Hair requires extra care, especially in winters. Vitamins like B, C, and E, along with some essential minerals are important for the healthy growth of hair. These nutrients not only support the hair’s strength and vitality but are also effective in reducing hair fall, helping you maintain thicker, healthier strands⁶.^ 

I highly recommend (unless specified on the label) avoiding multivitamins containing a high dose of retinol, which may be present in the form of acetate or palmitate. In terms of your bones and liver, retinol may be detrimental to your health¹³. 

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S M.S.

Special Role of Nutritional and Dietary Supplements for COVID-19 Infection

In light of recent times, the Covid-19 pandemic has negatively affected our lifestyle. Not only are there higher risks of infection but recovery from covid may sustain long-lasting side effects like breathing problems, weaker joints, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Hence, doctors and researchers have recognised the importance of nutritional supplements like zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin D in supporting overall health and recovery. 

It’s essential to note that these supplements are not meant to replace a healthy diet but rather to serve as an additional layer of protection against COVID-19 and other health concerns. A balanced diet rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and fats is still recommended, with multivitamin supplementation acting as a supportive boost. In many cases, food shortages and unmet dietary needs have heightened the demand for vitamins and supplements. 

Vitamin D, for instance, has been shown to enhance immunity during epidemics like the flu and can support bone health in both children and older adults. It helps maintain adequate vitamin D levels, which are crucial for immune function. Nutritional supplements have also proven useful in meeting the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA), acting as a safety net against various health issues^7,8. 

Vitamin C may be particularly beneficial for managing the aftereffects of COVID-19, including inflammation, tissue damage, and heart-related complications. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider before taking high doses⁷. Zinc, which is widely accessible and affordable, has been shown to shorten the duration of infections and improve recovery times, making it especially beneficial for families in lower-income brackets⁹. 

It’s important to note that multivitamins are a valuable source of multiple vitamins, however, they may bring unwanted side effects if they are not used with caution. Research¹² suggests that in case of overconsumption of vitamin D, i.e., more than 4,000 IU or 100 µg/day, can raise calcium levels, increasing the risk of kidney stones. I strongly recommend the consumption of multivitamins with a physician’s consent.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Types of Multivitamins

Vitamins are broadly divided into two types based on how the body metabolises them, here is a quick guide on both types⁸: 

Water-Soluble Vitamins

• These vitamins are carried and absorbed by water. 
• They cannot be stored inside the body. 
• Any excess amounts will be removed from the body during regular waste removal. 
• Although they mostly do not reach toxic levels, too much Vitamin C can cause symptoms like diarrhoea. 
• Best eaten or consumed with water or water-rich foods. 
• Includes Vitamin C and all the B-complex vitamins like B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12. 

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

• These vitamins are absorbed in the presence of fat. 
• They can be stored by the body. 
• They accumulate in the liver and fatty tissues and can reach extremely high levels if too much is taken. 
• may lead to toxicity, especially for vitamin A and D. 
• Best consumed with fatty foods. 
• Includes Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K. 

I highly recommend supplementing with calcium and vitamin D to help build bones and stall the occurrence of osteoporosis in women who have reached menopause. This may help them maintain bone health with advancing age¹¹.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S M.D (Ayu)

Conclusion

While our bodies can usually obtain the necessary vitamins and minerals from a well-balanced diet, multivitamin supplements can still offer various benefits. However, it’s important to consult with your doctor before starting any multivitamin regimen. Take them only when needed and as recommended by your healthcare provider¹⁰. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Adams KK, Baker WL, Sobieraj DM. Myth Busters: Dietary Supplements and COVID-19. Annals of Pharmacotherapy [Internet]. 2020 May 12 [cited 2025 Apr 25];54(8):820–6. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8685478/  
2. Harvard Health Publishing. Do multivitamins make you healthier? – Harvard Health [Internet]. Harvard Health. Harvard Health; 2014 [cited 2025 Apr 25]. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/do-multivitamins-make-you-healthier 
3. MD HEL. Should I take a daily multivitamin? [Internet]. Harvard Health. 2024 [cited 2025 Apr 25]. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/should-i-take-a-daily-multivitamin 
4. Harvard Health Publishing. Dietary supplements: Do they help or hurt? – Harvard Health [Internet]. Harvard Health. Harvard Health; 2013 [cited 2025 Apr 25]. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/dietary-supplements-do-they-help-or-hurt  
5. Tardy AL, Pouteau E, Marquez D, Yilmaz C, Scholey A. Vitamins and minerals for energy, fatigue and cognition: A narrative review of the biochemical and clinical evidence. Nutrients [Internet]. 2020 Jan 16 [cited 2025 Apr 25];12(1):228. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7019700/  
6. Michalak M, Pierzak M, Kręcisz B, Suliga E. Bioactive Compounds for Skin Health: A Review. Nutrients [Internet]. 2021 Jan 12 [cited 2025 Apr 25];13(1):203. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7827176/  
7. Sinopoli A, Sciurti A, Isonne C, Santoro MM, Baccolini V. The Efficacy of Multivitamin, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D Supplements in the Prevention and Management of COVID-19 and Long-COVID: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Nutrients [Internet]. 2024 Apr 29 [cited 2025 Apr 25];16(9):1345. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38732592/  
8. Barker T. Vitamins and Human Health: Systematic Reviews and Original Research. Nutrients [Internet]. 2023 Jun 26 [cited 2025 Apr 25];15(13):2888–8. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10346564/  
9. Arentz S, Hunter J, Yang G, Goldenberg J, Beardsley J, Myers SP, et al. Zinc for the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 and other acute viral respiratory infections: a rapid review. Advances in Integrative Medicine [Internet]. 2020 Aug [cited 2025 Apr 25]; Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7395818/  
10. National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements – Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know [Internet]. ods.od.nih.gov. 2023 [cited 2025 Apr 25]. Available from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/WYNTK-Consumer/  
11. Malabanan AO, Holick MF. Vitamin D and bone health in postmenopausal women. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2003 Mar;12(2):151–6. doi: 10.1089/154099903321576547. PMID: 12737713. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12737713/
12. Menon AS, Narula AS, Mathur AG. Multivitamins: use or misuse? Med J Armed Forces India. 2008 Jul;64(3):263–7. doi: 10.1016/S0377-1237(08)80111-6. Epub 2011 Jul 21. PMID: 27408161; PMCID: PMC4921591. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4921591/
13. Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health. Vitamin A and carotenoids: fact sheet for health professionals. [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institutes of Health; 2023 Dec 15 [cited 2025 May 13]. Available from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-HealthProfessional/

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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