SUPPLEMENTS VS MULTIVITAMINS – DO YOU NEED BOTH?

Supplements vs Multivitamins – Do You Need Both?

Supplements vs Multivitamins – Do You Need Both?

Blog Article

Feeling Confused About Your Daily Health Routine?

If you’ve ever stood in front of a pharmacy shelf wondering whether you need a supplement, a multivitamin—or both—you’re not alone. The modern wellness wave has brought us more health products than ever before, but also more confusion.

"Do I need omega-3 if I already take a multivitamin?" or "Will taking too many supplements harm me?"—these are questions I’ve heard from friends, relatives, and even my local chemist. As someone who grew up in a family where haldi doodh (turmeric milk) was the cure for nearly everything, I’ve seen firsthand how traditional remedies mix (or clash) with modern health routines.

So let’s break it down in simple, real-life terms.

Multivitamins vs Supplements – What’s the Difference?

Multivitamins are like an all-in-one combo of essential nutrients—usually a daily dose of vitamins and minerals your body needs. Supplements, on the other hand, are more targeted. They might contain just one nutrient, like vitamin D or iron, or a blend designed for a specific goal like gut health or sleep support.

So how do you choose what you actually need?

Here are some practical pointers:

1. Start with Your Diet


  • If your diet is rich in vegetables, fruits, dairy, and proteins, a full multivitamin might be unnecessary.

  • But if you skip meals or eat mostly processed food (yes, those quick maggi dinners count), a daily multivitamin could fill the gaps.


Real-life tip: During monsoon, my appetite drops and my fruit intake nosedives. That’s when I personally rely on a basic multivitamin to keep up my energy.

2. Address Specific Deficiencies

  • Feeling constantly tired? It might be a lack of vitamin B12 or iron.

  • Frequent colds? Vitamin C or zinc supplements could help.


Pro tip: Before self-diagnosing, get a basic blood test and speak with a healthcare provider. Many pharmacies and platforms, like Medkart Pharmacy, offer consultation options or affordable vitamin supplements.

3. Cost-Saving Smart Habits

Supplements can get expensive, especially if you're taking multiple at once. Here’s how to avoid unnecessary spending:

  • Stick to one multivitamin unless a doctor suggests otherwise.

  • Buy generic versions from trusted medical stores. You’d be surprised how affordable and effective they are.

  • Find your nearest medical store that stocks certified generics—Medkart is a great example with over 100 outlets across India.


4. Combine Traditional and Modern Approaches

Don’t underestimate the value of age-old home remedies:

  • Turmeric (curcumin) for inflammation

  • Amla (gooseberry) for vitamin C

  • Soaked raisins or dates for natural iron


These natural options can sometimes reduce your need for high-dose supplements—especially if you're balancing both sources thoughtfully.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Follow Trends—Follow Your Body

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to nutrition. While your friend may thrive on magnesium and collagen, you might feel better just with a simple multivitamin and a good diet.

The best approach is to listen to your body, start small, and avoid self-prescribing stacks of pills just because they’re trending on Instagram.

And when in doubt? Talk to your pharmacist. That friendly face at the pharmacy near you might have more practical knowledge than half the influencers on your feed.

Report this page