Most multivitamins are simply not up to par. Many contain substandard levels of vitamins and minerals, and most are devoid of any kinds of fruit and vegetable extracts, omega 3 fatty acids, CoQ10, plant enzymes, trace minerals, antioxidant blends, or herbal complexes. The reason for this is cloudy and unclear but mostly relates to the extreme difficulty of assembling 100+ ingredients together while keeping them stable and effective and at a low price. The only downside is that you the consumer suffers from having to find and take as many as ten to fifteen different pills a day just to get the nutrition you need.

Vitamins can help prevent disease in two main ways: By preventing the deficiency syndromes characteristic of the respective vitamin, and through the health benefits conferred by that specific vitamin. For example, Vitamin A is important for our vision. It also plays a major role in bone growth, reproduction, cell division and cell differentiation. It helps maintain the surface linings of the eyes and the respiratory, urinary, and intestinal tracts. When those linings break down, bacteria can enter the body and cause infection.

Vitamin A also helps maintain the integrity of skin and mucous membranes that function as a barrier to bacteria and viruses. Vitamin A helps in part to regulate the immune system. The immune system helps prevent or fight off infections by making white blood cells that destroy harmful bacteria and viruses. Vitamin A appears to help lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that fights infections, function more effectively.

Although taking vitamin supplements is fine for a busy lifestyle, there's no reason why a well-planned diet can't take the place of, or complement, vitamin supplements.

Learn how to choose a healthier diet by knowing exactly what vitamins are contained in which foods.