Are multivitamins worth it?
Ever held a belief so strongly that you find it difficult go back on it?
It’s a bit like with our washing machine…
I said it wasn’t broke to Mrs Fruci and that she had it on the wrong setting…
Turns out it was broke and we need a new one.
But
As humans, it’s bloody hard to admit you’re wrong (especially to your loved ones)…
And it’s the same when it comes to science.
You HAVE to be willing to change your views.
Why?
Because science evolves.
Not only this…
As a practitioner.
I’m becoming more experienced by the day.
Furthering my education and seeing just how PRACTICAL certain nutrition and exercise protocols are in REAL life…
In fact, me and my team of coaches at Fruci Fit are all going to a nutrition conference in Nottingham at the end of this month to ensure we keep up with the science, from women’s health to body image, to binge eating to the right types of exercise…
To get results..
To be a better coach, we have to be critical and curious when applying the science to real life.
For example…
Will you stick to it?
Is it necessary?
Is the ‘sacrifice’ worth the reward?
Does it do more harm than good?
And as a Nutritionist..
It’s my moral and ethical duty to be evidenced-based, interpret the science and help you make better informed, more intelligent decisions about your diet.
You see, many years ago…
I would suggest that all my clients take a vitamin C supplement before or after exercise
Or
During stressful times to boost your immune system and prevent you from getting ill.
Fast forward and the research is not so clear.
Could it be that taking an antioxidant like vitamin C during periods of stress, such as exercise…
Actually blunts our ability to adapt to these stressors and handle them in the future?
Is it that the ‘stressors’ from life and exercise are VITAL in helping our body get stronger and fitter to boost our immune system?
Are multivitamins doing more harm than good?
^^^ You could argue that looking at your diet and seeing what you’re deficient in is a better, more targeted approach…
Do we need another 100% of our vitamin C if we’re eating oranges, potatoes and broccoli?
Will this just push us out of balance?
After all, food contains ‘balanced’ ratios of vitamins and minerals
^^^ unlike supplements…
Are they more necessary when feeling unwell with a common cold / upper respiratory tract infection e.g. vitamin C and zinc has been shown to help recovery
A few questions to ask yourself before taking vitamin supplements:
* Are you eating a balanced diet that doesn’t cut out food groups, such as fibre, meat and dairy (reducing the chances of a deficiency)?
^^^ did you know that red peppers, broccoli and cauliflower contain more vitamin C in than oranges?
* Are you sleeping well?
* Stress with home / work life?
* Do you frequently get ill? Around kids a lot?
And it’s because of all these recommendations that my recommendations really depend on you.
I might suggest that one person supplements but not the other.
In fact, the people who need multivitamins the most?
Are probable the people who wouldn’t even consider taking them.
Bottom line is…
For how cheap a multivitamin tablet is…
It probably isn’t going to do any harm.
And as a bit of an insurance just in case you don’t get your nutrition on point?
Maybe it is a good thing.
But my point is that nutrition isn’t black and white.
It simply depends on you and where you are on your journey.
Which is exactly why applying the scientific principles to your current life circumstances will help you make better-informed decisions about your diet so that you can stop feeling tired, tone up, and feel more comfortable with your relationship with food.
Speak soon,
Matt
PS. Just like I (eventually) admitted we were ‘wrong’ about vitamins (or rather, our thinking and the science has evolved)…
I admitted to the wife that the washing machine was broke and that we needed a new one! We now have a new one.
She’s the boss haha