Vitamin needs for the whole family
Margaret recently wrote a post asking the question: Vitamin or vita-out? Are vitamins really important if we're eating a nutritious diet and getting enough exercise? She thinks no, and I tend to agree. During the summer and fall when our fridge is overflowing with fresh produce and we're getting plenty of sunshine, our family never takes vitamins. But in the deep, cold winter when the sun is weak and cold and flu season hits, I am known to give everyone a multi-vitamin, just as insurance.
But here's the kicker. In order to avoid a multi-vitamin and still get enough nutrition, you need to eat the right foods. For instance, iron should rarely be taken in pill form (especially by men), but iron is an important nutrient for kids and teens. You can make sure they get enough by feeding them foods like fortified breakfast cereals or black beans, but serve them with foods that are high in vitamin C (such as orange juice) to boost absorption.
Prevention has the scoop on other important nutrients, who needs them, and the best way to get them, whether in supplement form or through the foods you eat.
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