Do I Really Need to Take a Multi Vitamin / Mineral Supplement? Looking at this question from a practical point of view we must first examine the dietary history of the vast number of people that seek professional nutrition counseling. From an economical stand point, most everyone can afford to eat a variety of nutritious food. This however, is rarely the case. Even though most people know better, they consistently skip breakfast, eat fast food (nutritionally void food) and drink alcohol, all of which not only lack adequate vitamins and minerals, but may also deplete the body of these essential nutrients. Furthermore, national public surveys such as the Anarem Report have shown that in more than 21,000 people surveyed, not one person received even the RDA of the following nutrients; protein, magnesium, calcium, iron, B1, B2, B6, B12, and vitamin C. Reports such as this reflect the obvious nutritional imbalances and nutrient deficiencies that are so prevalent among Americans. Remember however, it is NOT the whole natural foods that are deficient of these nutrients it is simply the lack of consideration by many individuals, to use foods properly in their daily meal plans. Considering these facts, it seems fairly reasonable to suggest the use a quality, yet inexpensive multi-vitamin/mineral each day as a practical way to ensure the availability of at least the RDA of the essential micronutrients and trace minerals. Now, let's consider the population of people who are conscious of what they eat. Do they also need to use a daily multi-vitamin/mineral, or should they rely solely on their dietary food choices to provide all of the essential micronutrients in adequate amounts? Quite honestly, if the primary objective each day was to eat the recommended number of servings from each of the four food groups (with no calorie restrictions) we would venture to say NO, it is not necessary to include a vitamin supplement. On the other hand however, if the primary objective is to achieve a personal fitness goal, and/or to improve your overall health and well being other factors may certainly come into play. For example, according to Dr. Willard Krehl (president and medical director of the Health Maintenance Program at Jefferson Medical College Hospital Philadelphia) when the daily calorie intake falls below 1600 calories/day there is no guarantee that all nutritional guidelines and recommendations can be met. This is often the case with individuals who are on calorie-restricted diets in order to promote weight loss. Another factor is meal favoritism and convenience. Most everyone who is conscious of their nutritional habits is more than likely striving to achieve a personal fitness goal of some sort (lose weight, build muscle etc...). Inevitably, with adherence to a busy work/school schedule combined with other personal responsibilities, making time to eat becomes difficult. In many cases people will eat the same meal two, three, even four times a day, narrowing the probability of obtaining all of the essential micronutrients. In summary, it seems appropriate to use a multi vitamin/mineral supplement each day as part of a well-balanced diet as they are fairly inexpensive, practical and provide a quality safeguard against micronutrient deficiencies.