Vitamins: do you need supplements?

It seems like a simple question: should we be taking vitamin and mineral supplements? There is, unfortunately, no simple answer.

After asking registered dietitian Daphna Steinberg this question, she explained that even trained professionals have a tough time navigating all the charts and data compiled by authoritative health organizations like the NIH. If it isn’t easy for the pros, no wonder so many of us are left guessing, or even doing the wrong thing.

I personally have been hot and cold with my use of multivitamins, but do try to supplement with vitamin D through the winter months based on recommendations that most Canadians need to do so. On occasion, I’ll take some omega-3 capsules, but not religiously. Overall, I feel somewhat overwhelmed in the vitamin aisle. Are most a money pit or missed health opportunity? I doubt that I’m alone in my confusion.

Most adults under 50 can get their essential vitamins and minerals through a balanced diet, says Steinberg, but there is no one-size-fits-all guideline.

Of course, the specific recommended guidelines for vitamin and mineral use depend on your age, gender, overall health status, lifestyle and use of other medications. In other words, there is no one-size-fits-all guideline. But Daphna helped answer some longstanding questions, like do most people actually need a multivitamin? Can you overdose on vitamins and minerals? And what about the emerging variety of vitamin-infused drinks? Her insight was surprising at times but totally appreciated.

I hope the video helps you make a bit more sense of the whole issue as well.