Healthy people who eat right need a multivitamin only if they have a diagnosed vitamin or mineral deficiency. Still, multivitamins may provide a safety net to fill dietary nutrition gaps.

Many vitamins and minerals are essential, contributing to the body's normal function. While dietitians recommend that you obtain most vitamins and minerals through your diet, this isn't always possible. For example, if you don't consume enough fruits, vegetables or other healthy foods, a multivitamin may fill nutritional gaps.

There is no arguing that multivitamins are important when nutritional requirements are not met through diet alone. The debate is whether vitamins are needed when the diet is adequate to prevent deficiency in nutrients, as some research has shown no benefit or even harmful effects when taking supplemental vitamins and minerals.

“We need vitamins to break down macronutrients like carbohydrates, fat and protein and help our bodies to function. It’s best to get your vitamins and minerals from eating a diet that’s healthy for you. But a supplement can give your body a boost if you need it,” she says.

Thirteen vitamins and about 15 minerals are essential to your health (4). Many produce enzymes and hormones, boost your immunity, and keep your nerves and organs functioning properly (4). Your body also needs these nutrients for reproduction, maintenance, growth, and the regulation of bodily processes.