Should runners take a multivitamin?

This question is about Running

Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD, Freelance Writer

While runners can get many nutrients from a healthful, well-balanced diet, they may not get all of them on a regular basis, which puts them at risk for a nutrient deficiency. Additionally, research has found that many athletes fail to consume enough calories, which can lead to a lack of adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals [

1

]. Thus, taking a multivitamin can be beneficial for runners, as it fills in the nutritional gaps and makes up for shortfalls in the diet [

2

]. 

Pouring vitamins into hand

  1. Kerksick, C.M., Wilborn, C.D., Roberts, M.D. et al. ISSN exercise & sports nutrition review update: research & recommendations. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 15, 38 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-018-0242-y

  2. Rautiainen, S., Manson, J. E., Lichtenstein, A. H., & Sesso, H. D. (2016). Dietary supplements and disease prevention - a global overview. Nature reviews. Endocrinology, 12(7), 407–420.

    https://doi.org/10.1038/nrendo.2016.54

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