Don't Believe Everything You Read: Yes, You Really Do Need Vitamins!

Do you take vitamins and supplements? You may have reasons why you do, or don’t, support your diet with vitamins, minerals and other nutritional supplements. But do you really need them? A now well-known article in the New York Times questioned whether or not people need to take vitamins and supplements in order to stay healthy. While the New York Times is a trusted news source, we have something to say on that issue. Keep reading to find out why "maintaining a balanced diet" just might not be enough . . .


The article in the New York Times questioned whether or not people need to take vitamins and supplements in order to stay healthy. The article stated that a balanced diet is just as beneficial to staying healthy as adding vitamins and supplements.

While there is no arguing that a balanced diet is something that everyone should strive for to stay both mentally and physically healthy, the fact is that very few people manage to maintain a balanced diet. In the world in which we live, we often cut corners when it comes to diet and eating the right foods. And, most people do not get the amount of vitamins and nutrients that they need to stay healthy on a daily basis. 

Taking vitamins is one way that you can stay healthy and get the vitamins and nutrients that you need daily Notice that I said daily – not weekly, or monthly. In order to remain healthy, it’s important to get the proper nutrients every day.

Even those who eat a balanced diet can benefit from the use of vitamins. Numerous studies have reported that people who take multivitamins and other supplements on a daily basis report feeling physically better and may even have a “boosted” immune system that can help ward off colds and other illness. 

The B vitamins are essential to good overall health and wellness. Not only do they build up your immune system, but they help regulate your digestive system and can even help you stay mentally fit. However, many of the B vitamins are found in leafy green vegetables that some people find hard to digest. By taking vitamin supplements, you can get the benefits of the “real” food without having to endure digestive pains or eating a food that does not agree with your stomach.

Vitamin C is found in many products, including citrus fruits and juices. But the acidity in these fruits or juices bothers some people (me included). It may be better to take a supplement of Vitamin C instead of eating Vitamin C-rich foods in order to ease the effects of acidity on the stomach. 

Vitamin D is found in fatty fish as well as in some fortified dairy products. Vitamin D is linked to helping keep the immune system healthy and even warding off depression. But if you do not like fish or milk, or are lactose intolerant, you might have a hard time getting enough Vitamin D into your diet. Taking a Vitamin D supplement makes sense in order to make sure that you get the amount of this vitamin that is needed for optimal health. 

The above examples are just a tiny sample of all the nutrients you need on a daily basis . . . the complete list is seemingly endless! And while there is no arguing that a truly balanced diet of foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables and fish is good for you, many people simply do not get a regular supply of these foods in their diets. Vitamins and supplements can make sure that you get what you need for a healthy lifestyle when you cannot eat a perfectly balanced meal every single day of your life.