Easy availability of multivitamins may result in more harm than good, doctors warn

Overconsumption of multivitamins can lead to iron poisoning, nerve damage, or kidney stones, doctors warn, as the outlets at which multivitamins are sold now range from not only pharmacies, where they are typically found, but the shelves of grocery stores and even fast food joints.

“Multivitamins, if taken in the wrong dosage, can cause digestive issues, interact with medications, and even lead to toxicity from fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) that build up in the body. Overconsumption can also lead to specific problems, including iron poisoning from too much iron, nerve damage from Vitamin B6, or kidney stones from excess consumption of Vitamin C or Vitamin D. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking multivitamins, especially in the case of pre-existing health conditions, or while taking other medications,’‘ Vikas Vashisth, MD, Internal Medicine, SilverStreak Multispeciality Hospital, Delhi, said.

A multivitamin is a dietary supplement containing a combination of various vitamins and minerals, and is designed to supplement the diet and help fill nutritional gaps. Multivitamins are not a replacement for balanced meals, but are useful in specific situations, experts say.

In India, multivitamin supplements are regulated primarily under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), classifying them as health supplements or nutraceuticals. However, if a multivitamin supplement contains ingredients above the established one Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA), or makes disease-related claims, it can be classified as a drug and fall under the purview of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, and the Drug Controller General of India.

Easy accessibility, rising health awareness, increasing disposable income, urbanisation, ageing demographics, and the growing adoption of preventive health solutions is causing India’s dietary supplements market to expand rapidly, experts note. 

Recently, Mankind Consumer Products tied up with a vegetarian fast food chain for a promotional campaign during the Navratri festival, distributing its HealthOK multivitamins across several States. Through this partnership, the company aims to ensure the “pure vegetarian” HealthOK multivitamins were more accessible to consumers with a vegetarian lifestyle, Joy Chatterjee, vice president and head of sales and marketing, consumer division, Mankind Pharma, said.

“Since most multivitamins in the market are non-vegetarian, this collaboration highlights a trusted, 100% vegetarian choice in line with consumer values. For supplements, including HealthOK, no prescription is required as they are FSSAI-approved and available over the counter (OTC),’’ Mr. Chatterjee said. 

In India, multivitamins are generally available OTC. “However, when required in therapeutic doses for treating specific deficiencies or medical conditions, a prescription is essential. Indiscriminate use — self-supplementation without medical guidance — can mask underlying problems, and even cause harm,’’ Mr. Chatterjee added.

While OTC sale of multivitamins in pharmacies is an established practice, selling them at fast food centres or other outlets that are not related to healthcare facilities is not advisable, doctors warn. “Supplements are not snacks. They are meant to address dietary gaps and must be taken judiciously. Easy and unregulated access could lead to misuse or overconsumption,’’ a medical professional said.