The Truth About Multivitamins!

Multivitamins are not a ticket to optimal health. In some cases, they may even cause more harm than good.

Multivitamins pack many nutrients, most of which you do not need. And overdosing on any vitamin can cause a serious health problem. If you feel that you might be nutrient deficient, it is best to contact your doctor to check your deficiencies, then supplement with that specific vitamin and/or nutrient instead of multivitamins.

If your diet is poor, that is a whole other story. No vitamin will replace the nutrients you are missing or not eating the way a balanced diet of fresh, whole foods will. I would suggest looking at your diet, then determining what you are missing, and creating a healthy meal plan to boost your vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

With all that said, I would recommend taking vitamin D, especially if you are living in a country with four seasons. The recommended daily dosage for adults 19 years of age and older is 600 IU (15 mg) daily for men and women, and for adults 70 and older, it is recommended to take 80 IU (20 mg) daily.

Vitamin B12. Sadly, this vitamin is as essential as vitamin D, but due to pollution and climate change, it is no longer living in our soil, which means everyone should be taking one a day. B12 plays an essential role in red blood cell formation, cell metabolism, nerve function, and the production of DNA. Don’t be fooled by advertisements encouraging you to eat more poultry, meat, fish, and dairy. In today's farming world, all animals are being injected with B12.

Another popular supplement is omega-3 fish oils. Some studies show that omega-3s contribute to typical brain and eye development. It might fight inflammation and help prevent heart disease and a decline in brain function. As you know, our rivers, lakes, and oceans are very polluted, and fish are no longer safe to consume. I would recommend swapping fish oil for algae oil. Algae oil is a plant-based source of EPA and DHA, two omega-3 fats that are essential for your health. It provides the same benefits as fish oil but is a better choice, and it comes directly from the source.