Consumption of a multivitamin/multimineral supplement for 4 weeks improves nutritional status and markers of cardiovascular health

Abstract

Background: The efficacy of multivitamin/multimineral (MVM) supplementation continues to provoke considerable debate. The purpose of this study was to determine if MVM supplementation affects indices of nutrition status, antioxidant status and cardiovascular health in healthy individuals. Methods: 23 subjects (10 female, 13 male) were enrolled in a 4-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Fasting blood samples were collected and analyzed at baseline and at study completion (i.e., final). Results: Comparison of baseline and final values indicated that placebo treatment had no significant effect, whereas MVM treatment significantly (p < 0.05) increased (mean% ± SEM) circulating levels of vitamin B6 (518 ± 54%), B12 (71 ± 8%), E (31 ± 7%) and K (414 ± 167%). Vitamin D was significantly increased in the MVM (46 ± 9%) and placebo (13 ± 6%) group. HDL cholesterol and homocysteine were significantly increased and decreased in MVM supplemented individuals. Conclusion: MVM supplementation improved several indices of human health that may bestow particular health benefits among MVM users.

Keywords

• Multivitamin
• Multimineral
• Dietary supplements
• Vitamin status
• Clinical research