Should I Take A Multi-vitamin?

I have to admit that I am a chronic worrier. I recognize that I take a daily multi-vitamin primarily for psychological reasons.  I have always wondered if it is really necessary to take a daily multi-vitamin. So I did a little internet research…

I discovered that all multi-vitamins should be approved by your doctor. You should not take more of a multi-vitamin than is prescribed for you or is directed on the package because large doses of multi-vitamins can be dangerous. I also learned that eating a complete and balanced diet that is high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains minimizes the need for a multi-vitamin.

But I know for a fact that there are days that when I do not have the time or energy to eat a complete and balanced diet. I sometimes skip meals or eat junk food, and I do consume more than my share of chocolate. I try to eat healthy, refrain from alcohol consumption and exercise five times per week. But no one is perfect, and I will admit that my diet is not always the greatest. So I will continue to take my multi-vitamin… and try to stop worrying so much!

 

Comments

[Greg Wirth - How Antioxidants Work]

I appreciate your concern of your health and safety of a multi-vitamin. However, I disagree with some of your findings. There are no known cases of high doses of a multi-vitamin being "dangerous". You may have been mis-informed with studies showing high doses of 1 vitamin by itself (vitamin C or E) having negative side effects. Vitamins are meant to be taken in a multi-vitamin form for their synergistic effect. Simply put if you are merely following RDA guidelines for intake of nutritional supplements - your teeh might not fall out - however you are certainly not addressing the issue of optimal health.
In June 2002, the Journal of the American Medical Association published two articles by health researchers at Harvard University. Their articles were entitled "Vitamins for Chronic Disease Prevention in Adults". Suboptimal intake of some vitamins, above levels causing classic vitamin deficiency, is a risk factor for chronic diseases and common in the general population, especially the elderly.

Yes, you need to take vitamin supplements, throughout the day, every day.