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Multi-Vitamin and Mineral Supplements and Autism Ranking: Insufficient/Mixed evidence

Cost and Time

Cost

The cost of buying a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement depends on a range of factors including the type of supplement, the quantity you buy, the supplier, delivery charges etc.

We found a wide range of suppliers providing multi-vitamin/mineral supplements for a wide range of prices when we did an online search on 19 September 2017. Prices varied from £3.50 to £12.99 for 100 tablets.   

In the UK, it is sometimes possible to obtain free NHS prescriptions for specific dietary supplements if you have certain medical conditions (such as diabetes) or you are a member of an exempt group (such as being under 16 or over 65).  GPs will only normally prescribe supplements if there is a diagnosed deficiency, for example, iron or vitamin D.

Time

Most multi-vitamin/mineral supplements are designed to be taken one or more times a day, often before mealtimes.

The length of treatment depends on a range of factors including the type of supplement and the characteristics of the individual being treated.  For example, Adams (2007) states that the use of multi-vitamin/mineral supplements is “lifelong, although improving diet and healing gut may reduce the need for supplementation.”

However we would strongly recommend that you review your use of dietary supplements on a regular basis with a responsible health professional such as a dietitian, GP or pharmacist. This is because you are likely to experience some harm if you take vitamins in large amounts over long periods of time.

Updated
17 Jun 2022
Last Review
01 Nov 2017
Next Review
01 Apr 2024