However, if you take a multivitamin, you don't usually need to take vitamin C or vitamin E supplements separately. In fact, taking both a supplement and a multivitamin could cause toxicity, according to Jeffrey Blumberg, professor of nutrition at Tufts University in Boston. Half of American adults, including 70 percent of those over 65, take a multivitamin or other vitamin or mineral supplement on a regular basis. If you're not meeting the recommended daily amount of vitamins and nutrients, taking a multivitamin can be an affordable and safe way to make up the difference.
The amount of iron in a multivitamin complex may also be beneficial for women of child-bearing age, Appel adds. While taking a daily multivitamin is generally safe, taking more than the recommended amount of certain vitamins and minerals can be harmful. However, a multivitamin complex may not contain enough specific ingredients (such as calcium, vitamin D, or iron) to meet your needs, so be sure to do your homework and read the label.
