Why You Shouldn’t Waste Money on Multivitamins

Thomas Campbell’s The Campbell Plan, is one of the best books that I have read on whole foods plant-based diets. The book is straightforward and clear and has become my bible for nutrition. I have read lots about the subject, but there are still some issues that I have been uncertain about, supplements, for one. Based on Campbell’s book and the subsequent article on the Forks Over Knives website,  I have decided to skip supplements, with one exception. My whole foods plant-based diet should take care of my nutrition needs. 

My other nutrition and health guru John McDougall, M.D. also advises against supplements. So, taken together, I am convinced.

Here is what Campbell has to say about supplements:

"Many people view multivitamins as some sort of insurance policy that they use so they’ll feel that they’ve got their bases covered when it comes to nutrition. Unfortunately, it’s an insurance policy that won’t pay out and in some cases may be harmful, but people have been buying and taking multivitamins since the first one was introduced in the 1940s. I never recommend a multivitamin for general health. I think it’s a waste of money, and generally the scientific authorities agree."

Here is what Dr. McDougall has to say: "Nature's foods are complete.  To make a profit, manufacturers isolate out and concentrate nutrients, like vitamins and minerals, and sell them as expensive pills.  The consequence is to create serious imbalances within the workings of your cells, and then diseases follow.....Don't risk your life and waste your money on these gimmicks.  The only supplement I routinely recommend is Vitamin B12." 

Since I don't eat animal foods, the primary source of vitamin B12, I do take this supplement, usually in pure liquid form.  Not only do I not eat animal foods, but I also try to avoid highly processed foods some of which may have been fortified with B12.  So, given the importance of this nutrient, I think it is wise to use this one supplement.