Caffeine, chocolate and wine�those are the essential food groups, right? It definitely seems like I can, and do, exist on those particular foods for days at a time. Despite my best efforts to eat whole grains, fresh fruits, dark leafy green vegetables and my share of omegas, the reality is, I know where my local McDonalds is. I know, I know, I�m a horrible, horrible person. At least I�m honest. I�m sure if you compiled a thorough food diary you�d see that your daily food consumption was less than stellar too. But what�s an overworked, overbooked, overwhelmed woman to do? Taking the time to cook at least one healthy, nutrient dense, tasty meal a day � let alone three � is laughable.

Enter, vitamins! A simple tablet taken daily can ensure your body gets all the nutrients it needs to function: think of your daily vitamin as an inexpensive nutritional insurance policy. And, rather than taking a handful of individual health supplements, such as vitamin A, B, C, D, E, etc., you can just down it all at once with a multi-vitamin. How convenient.


However, it is important to keep in mind that not all multi-vitamins are created equally. A good "multi" formula should give you a generous blend of high quality vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants, amino acids, enzymes and herbal supplements, not just the vitamins themselves. Why you ask? Well, as it turns out, our bodies are complicated machines and as such, we use our fuel in complex and mysterious ways. Ok, not really �mysterious.� Basically, vitamins and other nutrients work synergistically, meaning that they need each other to work properly. For example, for your body to absorb calcium it needs vitamin D. And to get any use out of a vitamin E pill, it needs a side order of zinc. Our bodies are all about joint ventures.

A quality multi-vitamin formula should be made up of the most natural food factors available, not synthetic chemicals. It is important to note that most multi-vitamin formulas do not include amino acids, so be sure to check the label. Keep in mind that you (usually) pay for what you get. There can be big discrepancies between less expensive synthetic brands of multi-vitamins and the more expensive but more effective natural multi-vitamin brands. It�s worth the time effort to read the ingredients and buy the best quality brand of multi-vitamins you can. Remember this is a preventative step you�re taking, tread wisely.

But before you go off and start popping multi-vitamins left and right, remember that too much a good thing can be a bad thing. While some people argue that the recommended daily intake levels of many vitamins are not high enough to keep illness at bay, there is no doubt that there are possible risks from taking excessive amounts of vitamins. The most risky overdoes come from fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K), while taking very large amounts of water-soluble vitamins rarely causes toxic effects because these vitamins are washed out in our urine. However, adverse reactions to Vitamin C and Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) have been reported. The bottom line is: everything in moderation. Try and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, high quality protein and whole grains on a daily basis. Steer clear of trans fats. And know that even if you consumed more sweets than cauliflower on any given day, your multi-vitamin has your back. By taking a multi daily, you�re always working with a net.

Next time: Feel like you�re drowning? How much water do you really need?