I’ve heard that we don’t really need to take vitamins so long as we eat a balanced diet. Is this true, Joe?

I’ve heard that we don’t really need to take vitamins so long as we eat a balanced diet. Is this true, Joe?

I agree that it may not be necessary to take a multi-vitamin if you maintain a healthy, balanced diet… to an extent.

The problem comes when trying to get that healthy, balanced diet. You see, many of us rely on a diet that is primarily composed of processed foods. When food is processed it loses much of its nutrient value. Oftentimes these foods are later impregnated with concentrated vitamins (“enriched” they call it), but things like trace minerals and antioxidants aren’t usually added to the mix.

So, if you’re like most Americans, a multi-vitamin isn’t bad insurance. If, however, your diet consists primarily of whole foods then you’re probably fine.

However, if you exercise hard on a regular basis you are constantly using up your vitamin and mineral stores. If this is you then you wouldn’t do badly to go the vitamin route.

One more thing: don’t go for a cheap or generic brand of vitamin. All vitamins are not created equal. Better brands have higher potencies, better bio-availability and less in the way of fillers, sweeteners and colors. When it comes to your health, quality counts.