Certainly, if you use drugs like alcohol, tobacco, or caffeine, if you're under a lot of stress, or are sick, your requirements for some nutrients may be greater than your diet can provide. Vitamins in foods may be superior to synthetic forms because they can be better absorbed. Plus, other elements in foods may be present that are missing in the pill form. Generally, there's no difference between natural and synthetic vitamins. It's important to get this in its natural form because the body uses it more efficiently.
Different brands vary in cost.
I always recommend the cheapest brands that are as free of fillers and additives as possible. Here is my basic vitamin cocktail. Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. All material provided in the Ask Dr. Weil program is provided for educational purposes only.