Several people ask me if they really need a multi-vitamin, because they “eat very well”. My answer is: Yes! Even if you eat very balanced and healthy, there is a possibility that you are not getting all of the vitamins and minerals you need on a daily basis. In addition, some vitamins do not absorb due to interactions with certain medications or other factors. One example of this is Vitamin B12, which is vital for nerve function, among other things. If you are taking Metformin, a Diabetes medication or any “acid-reducer”, you many not be absorbing Vitamin B12 from your food! However, in the supplement form (from a multi-vitamin), your body can absorb it. In addition, as we age, our ability to absorb Vitamin B12 from food diminishes. So, please enjoy a wide variety of healthy foods on a daily basis…and take your multi-vitamin too! If you have questions about certain vitamins, please contact me or a pharmacist at MedSave Family Pharmacy.
