The multivitamin, or MVI for my medical chart reading friends, is a hot issue as of late. Are they necessary or can we really get all the nutrients we need from food? Do they really increase the risk of developing certain cancers or do they decrease our risk? Do they actually shorten the life span or do they increase it by preserving the telomeres on our DNA? Do they give us a sense of invincibility (I had my multivitamin today, so I don’t really need to exercise).

All of the questions above are legitimate and quite frankly, SHOULD be asked. Obtaining the answers to each of them, however, is a whole different story altogether. Here’s a snap shot of how it all plays out. And just for reference, I’ll use eggs as an example.

“We real smart science people here think eggs are good, wait, no they aren’t… or are they? Yes, they’re definately good…. we think…. ok yes, they are good…. for now anyways.” And that sequence of events took DECADES to occur. Still think humans are the smartest creatures on the planet?

Ok, that was maybe a bit harsh, but the truth is that until we test these things over and over and over again with steady results, it’s difficult to be definitive. And then you have a push from both the makers of Egg Beaters and their counterpart, farmers, who are trying to make a buck. And on top of that, the consumers want ANSWERS. It ain’t easy.

So getting back to the multivitamins. Dietitians differ in their view on it. And really, that’s a good thing. Keeps us on our toes. Keeps us learning. Moving forward.

Raise your hand if right about now you’re thinking, “So Al, what’s your take on multivitamins?”

Glad you asked! I’ve posted before that I take a multivitamin daily. And yes, I typically recommend it to my clients. Why? Insurance. I’m a realist. I know those reading this and those who sit on the other side of my desk are probably not getting in all of the fruits and veggies they need on a consistent, daily basis. That’s not to say some people don’t. Because to answer a question from paragraph I: “Yes, I think you can get all the nutrients you need from food alone. We just don’t, that’s all.”

Take Home Message: Eat more fruits and veggies…. BOOM!