Doctors generally agree that it’s best to get your vitamins by eating a healthy, balanced diet rather than relying on multivitamins. Vitamin-rich foods, unlike vitamins, have the added benefit of containing fiber and other important substances. However, multivitamins can act as a kind of insurance against nutrient deficiencies and provide a valuable supplement to those who need it. Vitamins can have interactions with some medicines. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting a multivitamin regimen. To learn more about nutrient deficiencies and to discover whether you’re getting all of the nutrients you need, contact UPMC Nutrition Services or call 412-692-4497 to make an appointment with one of our dietitians. Editor's Note: This article was originally published on December 18, 2019, and was last reviewed on February 16, 2022. Refreshed 2/16/22.