An area of debate in the health and wellness community is that over whether taking a multivitamin is beneficial to a person’s health. It is my position that the best source of nutrients that we need in order to thrive is from good quality food sources, but one of the dietary supplements I do use is a quality multivitamin. My view on using a multivitamin is the same as Integrative Medicine’s rock star, Dr. Andrew Weil, MD. Dr. Weil states that the best possible source of micronutrients is food, yet because we are not realistically able to eat optimally each day, multivitamins are an “insurance against gaps” in the diet. A quality multivitamin provides essential vitamins and minerals that our bodies need in order to function properly.
Another important health benefit that multivitamins provide is improved cognitive functioning. A study detailed in the Nutrition Journal reports that consuming a multivitamin on a daily basis improved cognitive functioning in test subjects.
The Journal of the American Medical Association recommends that all adults take a daily multivitamin in conjunction with a healthy diet. Their findings are that up to 80% of Americans do not get the vitamins and minerals that are needed through their diet, and by supplementing with a quality multivitamin, people can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and osteoporosis.
* If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, always check with your trusted healthcare professional before adding dietary supplements to your daily nutritional intake!
In Wellness and Love,
Dr. Chris
Prana Chiropractic and Wellness