Should I take a multivitamin?

Having a complete and balanced diet that is high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains minimizes the need for a multivitamin. These foods contain most of the nutrients you need. There are times that you may be getting low amounts of some nutrients.

A multivitamin can plug those holes in your diet. One week you may have the right amount of vitamin C but not take in any of the B vitamins. Taking a multivitamin everyday will give you the vitamins your diet lacks.

If you think you have a good diet but still want to take a multivitamin, you can take one every other day. You'll save money and still get the benefits. If you are on a calorie restricted diet, a multivitamin is a good supplement since cutting calories also cuts the amount of vitamins and minerals you take in.

If you decide on taking a multivitamin, do not substitute your intake of fruits and vegetables with a pill thinking you will get the same health benefits. Nutrients found in vitamins and minerals will do the job better. There are also some substances that are not found in multivitamins.

Also, be careful of products that only contain one vitamin such as a vitamin C pill. They sometimes have 500% or more of your daily needs which can lead to unwanted side effects.