Should I take a multivitamin?

You’ve upped your exercise game. Five days a week, at least 30 minutes long, plus that dog walk you do during your lunch break every afternoon. During that dog walk you got to thinking: because of this increased exercise, do I need a multivitamin? 

My answer: it really all depends. 

You may have walked up and down the supplement aisle at any grocery store or see your favorite athlete promoting one in an advertisement. Exercise can affect vitamin and mineral needs because of the increased physiological demand and the stress of exercise. Many professionals argue athletes don’t have greater micronutrient needs compared to less active individuals. But micronutrient needs depend on more than increased activity. Eating behaviors, medical history, sex, training load, environment, allergies and preferences play a part.

I recommend looking at your current eating pattern and seeing where you can fill in the gaps with food. We know there’s room for improvement since only about 10% of Americans meet the recommended servings for fruits and vegetables.  A multivitamin can be great way to get your missing nutrients, but it’s not always necessary. It’s best to ask your medical provider or consult with a dietitian before starting any supplement. Some might be counterproductive or can even interact with prescriptions. Still wondering if you’re meeting your micronutrient needs?  Send me a message and we can chat!