He or she can discuss your medical history and diet with you and help you decide whether you should take a supplement. If you are thinking about giving your child a supplement, talk with his or her doctor first. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, taking a supplement may be right for you. If so, you may need to take vitamin B12. Absorption of nutrients takes place in the digestive tract, and disease or surgery can interfere with this process.
Folic acid can help prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord.
Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding need more of many nutrients. If you are pregnant or nursing, talk with your doctor about what type of supplement you need to take. You may benefit from taking calcium and vitamin D to help protect against osteoporosis. While the best way to get the nutrients your body needs is to improve your diet, taking a supplement may be a good idea.