Q: Do I really need to take a daily supplement if my diet is diverse and healthy?

A: Americans love their supplements, with over half of us taking some type of dietary supplement daily. Is this a smart move?

Although it is preferable to obtain all the nutrients our bodies require from consuming a healthy, balanced diet, the fact is, many of us fail to get in the 40-plus essential nutrients our bodies need on a daily basis.

Therefore, as a safety net, I encourage people to eat a healthy diet first and if they so desire, to take an inexpensive multivitamin and mineral supplement containing 100% of the daily value for most vitamins and minerals.

That said, keep in mind a favorite saying among nutritionists: “A lousy diet with supplements is still a lousy diet.” No amount of vitamin popping will ensure good health unless you are eating a healthy, balanced diet.

A supplement does not compensate for a poor diet and will not guarantee good health. A supplement should be just that, a supplement to a nutritious diet and a healthy lifestyle.