New patients often ask – Why do I need a multi-vitamin?   A high quality multi helps make up for nutrient deficiencies that may be present in our body.  The key is high quality – a study done a few years ago by ConsumerLab.com found that more than half of the multi-vitamins tested did not meet their own label requirements and some were even contaminated by toxins such as lead.  Your multi-vitamin should come from a trusted source, companies committed to quality are able to provide third party verification certificates on most of their products within 1-2 business days.  They should test their starting materials for purity and pesticides and their end products for shelf stability and to make sure they meet the label claims.  A high quality multi-vitamin has few to none binders and fillers as ingredients.  As with many things in life – what you pay for is what you get – buying a 150 tablet bottle for $13, may seem like a good purchase.  But often times, cheaper vitamins use forms of the vitamins that are cheaper to produce and harder for our bodies to absorb and utilize.

Many of us strive to have a well rounded diet, rich in fruits and vegetables.  Fresh organic produce is the best source for antioxidants and vitamins.  Fruits, nuts, vegetables, when included in your diet daily, helps reduce your risk for cancer, heart disease, stroke and other chronic diseases.  So, why do I need a multi-vitamin, you ask?  Mulit-vitamins can provide your body key nutrients that your diet may be lacking and can help prevent chronic diseases.  We are exposed to many toxins in our daily life and these vitamins can help with liver detoxification pathways so that toxins are broken down and excreted in an efficient manner.  I recommend a daily multivitamin supplement to almost all of my patients.

Speak with your Naturopathic Doctor to find a multi-vitamin that is best for you.  If you are taking prescription medications, there might be some deficiencies caused in the body as a side effect to the medication, therefore you may need added supplementation of certain vitamins.  There may also be vitamins you should avoid while on certain medications.  Speak with your Naturopathic Doctor regarding these concerns so that they can recommend a product that is best suited for you.  When you do start taking a multi-vitamin, it is best to take it with food.