ISSA Nutritionist Practice Exam

What is a multivitamin?

1. A single vitamin supplement

2. A vitamin supplement containing two or more compounds

3. A type of herbal product

4. A synthetic nutrient

The correct answer is: A vitamin supplement containing two or more compounds

A multivitamin is defined as a vitamin supplement that contains a combination of two or more vitamins, and often includes minerals and other beneficial compounds. This formulation is designed to provide a broad range of essential nutrients that may be lacking in an individual's diet, supporting overall health and maintaining adequate vitamin and mineral levels in the body. Multivitamins can come in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, powders, or liquids, and are commonly used to fill nutritional gaps, especially in cases where dietary intake is insufficient. It's important to recognize that a multivitamin is distinct from a single vitamin supplement, which would only contain one specific vitamin. Additionally, it differs from herbal products that may focus on plant-derived compounds, and from synthetic nutrients that might refer specifically to artificially produced isolates of individual nutrients. By incorporating a variety of vitamins and minerals, multivitamins play a crucial role in supplementing the diet, particularly for populations with specific nutritional needs or dietary restrictions.