Do multivitamins benefit everyone?

My friend Anjali is full of vitality and she ascribes this to her regular intake of multi vitamin pills. She is not alone in this belief. Vitamin and mineral pills are becoming more and more popular. The reasons are diverse, from the desire to pep up energy, reducing fatigue, or ensure adequate nutrition. As a nutritionist, I find the trend alarming. It is a myth that such supplements can substitute a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. All major health organizations agree that healthy children and adults should try and get their vitamins and minerals from food. The balanced diet that will supply it is this:

8226; 4 servings of fruits

8226; 5 servings of green and orange veggies

8226; 3 servings of low fat milk/soy milk/cheese/yogurt

8226; 6 servings of whole grain cereals

8226; 3 servings of nuts/beans/lentils/eggs/meat/fish/-

8226; 10 grams of Mustard/olive/til oil.

Research indicates that such a diet significantly lowers rates of cancer and heart disease 8211; a benefit that does not accrue from vitamin supplements.

Senior nutrition consultant, PSRI, New Delhi