If you eat a balanced, healthy diet do you need to take a multivitamin supplement? The most important thing to keep in mind is that a multivitamin is a “supplement,” not a substitute for eating a healthy diet. Foods contain many important ingredients not available in supplements such as powerful antioxidants. A multivitamin is not a substitute for a healthy diet, but it can be an important addition.
Who needs to take a multivitamin?
Multivitamins are nutritional supplements for people whose diet may be deficient in certain vitamins and minerals. You may need a supplement if you are on a low calorie diet or don't eat the right foods. A supplement may also be necessary if you are a strict vegetarian; if you take medications that prevent the body from using certain nutrients or if you have an illness that affects your appetite. In addition, special formulas are available for use during pregnancy.
Vitamin/mineral supplements come in a wide range of formulations tailored to the needs of different groups. Some vitamins meet different requirements based on age. There are other formulations for stress, which contain higher strengths of the B vitamins, plus extra vitamin C. If you are concerned about meeting your daily calcium requirement a multivitamin won’t supply you with enough calcium. Instead, try to get more dairy in your diet or take a calcium supplement daily.
Who should not take a multivitamin?
If you have any serious chronic medical conditions, check with your doctor before starting a multivitamin supplement. You may have special requirements or medications that can interfere with your vitamins. Do not take more of a multivitamin supplement than suggested on the packaging, or directed by your doctor. Very high doses of some vitamins and minerals can be harmful.
Finally, as a reminder, do not use supplements as a replacement for a diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals.
Rebecca
Rebecca Mohning M.S., R.D., L.D. is a registered dietitian and a certified personal trainer. She received her Bachelor’s degree in dietetics and her graduate degree in exercise and sports science from Iowa State University. She also has a personal training certification from the American College of Sports Medicine. Rebecca currently has her own private nutrition and fitness consulting business is the Washington DC area.