Vitamins and Supplements. To take or not to take?

You absolutely, positively need a multivitamin, especially when dieting! It's very rare that we get all of the essential vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to function optimally from our everyday diets. When dieting/trying to lose weight, we are putting our bodies under stress, and they are typically working harder than they previously were. I believe it's essential to incorporate a multivitamin into your morning regimen just as a safeguard. For example, if you are deficient enough in vitamin B12, you will feel tired and unmotivated with little energy. Could potentially inhibit you from losing weight.

Some vitamins really are a waste of money, and the saying "you get what you pay for" is especially true here. Certain vitamins and minerals cannot be absorbed by our bodies without the chemical bonding of an amino acid to them, something you will need to research brand-wise (*drug store/cheap brands are typically all inactive forms). To clarify this, if you are taking a 400 mcg of INACTIVATED vitamin B12, your body has to try to activate it. When all is said in done, you typically only end up absorbing 1/4 of what you initially consumed due to the time that elapses and other factors. If you take an ACTIVATED B12 vitamin, it is readily absorbable, allowing your body to take it in rather than try to activate it and then absorb it. As with any vitamins/supplements, be responsible. Know the DULs of each, and find a multivitamin that stays within them. I tend to shy away from a-la-carte vitamins...I think people get a little over the top with these. Vitamins aren't magic pills that you can select and choose from for what you want to "benefit" from them. In most cases, unless a severe deficiency exists, you probably won't be able to notice any physical changes in your body.

*I also want to note here that it is over extended periods of times with inadequate repletion of our vitamin/mineral stores that deficiencies develop. So yes, you could feel fine now, but if your diet is lacking in calcium, for example, it could be predisposing you to osteoporosis in the future.

As for other supplements, I tend to steer clear of these as well. (With the exception of meal replacement shakes.) If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Just do your research. Go to GNC or a similar store and talk with someone who knows their stuff. Heck, even visit your MD or a dietician. Then, go home and research to verify what they told you. Finally, reach your conclusion as to whether or not you believe 'x' product will enhance your weight loss journey and at what long-term costs.

Hope that helps!

It might answer your question, but I wouldn't accept it without more study:

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/news/20131216/experts-dont-waste-your-money-on-multivitamins