Myth: Multivitamins Can Substitute a Balanced Diet

Some believe that taking a daily multivitamin can compensate for an unbalanced diet, leading people to rely on supplements rather than focusing on whole foods.

Research published in JAMA Internal Medicine indicates that multivitamins cannot replace the complex nutrients provided by a balanced diet, including fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals found in whole foods. While multivitamins can fill minor nutrient gaps, they are not a substitute for varied nutrition. Emphasizing whole foods helps achieve comprehensive health benefits that pills alone cannot provide.