What Factors Do You Consider When Deciding Whether Or Not To Use Vitamin Supplements

Vitamin supplements may improve your health, but they can't replace a healthy diet.

Vitamins are important nutrients your body uses for biological processes, such as digestion and nerve function. Most people get enough vitamins from food, but some people take vitamin supplements to make sure they get enough nutrients. Vitamin supplements can't replace a healthy diet -- eating nutrient-rich fruits and veggies is always healthier than taking supplements -- but they may improve your health.

Your Risk of Nutrient Deficiency

If you're not sure whether vitamin supplements are right for you, consider whether you're at risk for nutrient deficiency. For example, if you eat a vegetarian or vegan diet, you may not consume enough iron or B-vitamins. If you're pregnant or may become pregnant, it's important to get enough folic acid. If you're over 50, you may not get enough B-12.

Eating a Healthy Diet

If you eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, you probably get enough vitamins and minerals. If you rarely eat fruits or veggies, vitamin supplements may improve your health, but they aren't as effective as whole fruits and vegetables, which reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke and improve your digestive health. Improving your diet isn't as easy as swallowing a pill, but it makes a much bigger difference.

Getting Your Doctor's Advice