Don’t Take a Multivitamin If You Haven’t Done This First, Doctors Warn

“So many of my patients tell me they know their diet is not great but that I should not worry because ‘at least’ they take a multivitamin,” registered dietitian Anna Taylor told the Cleveland Clinic. “But multivitamins aren’t a surefire way to get what you need.”

As Taylor points out, far more benefits come from consuming vitamins in the form of whole foods, as the vitamins, minerals, immunity boosters, antioxidants, anti-cancer agents, and anti-inflammatories you find occurring naturally are superior to their synthetic counterparts.

“Taking a multivitamin is no substitute for healthy lifestyle choices, such as exercising and eating a balanced diet,” internist Raul Seballos, MD, told the Cleveland Clinic. “Ask yourself, ‘Am I doing everything possible to optimize my overall health before taking a multivitamin and/or supplement?'”Hrefna Palsdottir, MS, wrote similar advice in an article for Healthline. “It’s best if you don’t take a multivitamin to compensate for a poor diet,” she says. “Eating a balanced diet of fresh, whole foods is much more likely to ensure good health over the long term.”

And for more health tips delivered right to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.