Is A Multivitamin Necessary for Everyone?

Patients often ask me if it is necessary to take a multivitamin. The simple answer is no. Of course, it depends on each individual's diet, lifestyle and nutrient requirement when determining if a general multivitamin-mineral supplement is required. If you eat a well balanced diet of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, take in sufficient protein, drink a lot of water, avoid refined carbohydrates and eat only complex carbohydrates as well as exercise regularly and get adequate sleep, then a multivitamin is not necessary. It's always better to get your nutrients from healthy, nourishing foods whenever possible!