A balanced and varied diet is the best source of essential vitamins and minerals; however, nutrient deficiencies\noccur, including in populations with bountiful food supplies and the means to procure nutrient-rich foods. For\nexample, the typical American diet bears little resemblance to what experts recommend for fruit, vegetables, and\nwhole grains, which serve as important sources of an array of vitamins and minerals. With time, deficiencies in one\nor more micronutrients may lead to serious health issues. A common reason people take multivitamin and mineral\n(MVM) supplements is to maintain or improve health, but research examining the effectiveness of MVMs in the\nprevention of certain chronic conditions is ongoing. In addition to the utility of MVMs for filling in relatively small\nbut critical nutritional gaps, which may help prevent conditions such as anemia, neural tube defects, and osteoporosis,\nsome evidence supports possible benefits of MVM supplementation with regard to cancer prevention (particularly in\nmen) and prevention or delay of cataract, as well as some aspects of cognitive performance. Unlike some singlevitamin\nsupplements, MVM supplements are generally well tolerated and do not appear to increase the risk of\nmortality, cerebrovascular disease, or heart failure. The potential benefits of MVM supplements likely outweigh any risk\nin the general population and may be particularly beneficial for older people.
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