Should I take a multivitamin?

As the nutritionist for the program, many patients ask me if they should take a multivitamin if they are taking the serotonin supplement. I believe a multivitamin is necessary. The serotonin has some vitamins and minerals to help the body and the mind through the stress of weight loss but it is not a complete multi. In this crazy world we live in, we sometimes don’t get the nutrients we need depending upon our eating habits. And if we are very stressed (which who isn’t today), our bodies need more nutrients such as the B vitamins, Vitamin C, Calcium and Magnesium. Also if we are on a reduced calorie diet as in our program, we will naturally get in less nutrients.

It is recommended that you take a multivitamin if you are in one of these groups:

•Women of childbearing age: They need 400 IU daily of folate (the form in supplements is called folic acid). This B vitamin helps prevent neural tube birth defects; women need to build up their folate stores at least several weeks before becoming pregnant. The folic acid in supplements and fortified foods is better absorbed by the body than the folate found naturally in food (this is also true of vitamin B12). In addition, many pre-menopausal women do not consume enough iron and can benefit from the amount in a basic multivitamin.

• Over 60 years of age: Most don’t get the nutrients they need, for a variety of reasons. For instance, aging itself may make it more difficult to absorb and utilize certain nutrients. The major problem nutrients for older people are vitamins D, C, B6, B12, and folic acid, as well as minerals such as zinc, calcium, and magnesium.

• Strict vegetarians: Those who eat no animal products, may not get enough vitamin B12, zinc, iron, and calcium.

• Those on weight-loss diets, as well as heavy drinkers or smokers: Are likely to have a shortfall of vitamins and minerals.

• Those not eating a balanced diet (at least five fruits and vegetables a day, as well as whole grains, low-fat dairy, and small servings of lean meat, poultry, or fish) may not be getting enough folic acid, B6, and B12. These B vitamins play a role in lowering homocysteine levels in the blood and thus may help reduce the risk of heart disease and, recent studies suggest, Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis. Folic acid may also help prevent cervical and colon cancer.

There are a variety of multivitamins out there from One-A-Day to Centrum to store brands. Just look on the label and be sure you are getting 100% of the Daily Value for the major vitamins and minerals that have daily requirements. We also have a multivitamin that I formulated that has a little bit of serotonin in there that was developed to be used with our Serotonin Formula. The extra serotonin gives it a nice kick to enhance mood and energy.