Vitamins: What do you really need to stay healthy?

If you’re like nearly half of all Americans, you take at least one supplement to boost your health. But are you spending your money on the right ones? For that matter, do you need to take vitamins at all? It can be hard to know.

Question: I think I eat well. Do I need supplements?

While we try to eat a balanced diet, most of us overestimate how well we’re really eating. Taking a multivitamin couldn’t hurt.

Question: Can certain supplements boost my energy?

Research suggests that B vitamins (especially B12) play a key role in helping your brain function, boosting energy, and strengthening your immune and nervous systems. A multivitamin provides all the B vitamins the average person needs.

Question: Can you overdose on vitamins?

With multivitamins, the answer is no. Regarding fat-soluble vitamins like D, E, A, K and iron, consult your MD to see if additional single nutrients are recommended beyond what is in the mulit.