Twenty years ago, when Rachel and I took over managing Organico, supplements were simple. Most of us just took a basic multivitamin and maybe a spoonful of cod liver oil, and that was it (unless we had a cold when we took tons of Echinacea!). The shelves weren’t crowded, and the goal was just covering the basics. Our first question to anyone asking about family health was usually, “Are you all taking a good multi?”
Fast forward to today, and the supplement world has exploded. Complex formulas promise everything from sharper focus to boundless energy and it can feel overwhelming to know what to choose. Many of us have cupboards full of supplements we bought but can no longer remember why they seemed important.
However, I have realised recently that despite all the hype, the fundamentals of good nutrition haven’t changed. So this month, I’m exploring why a good-quality multivitamin and mineral remains the foundation of solid nutritional support for all of us – especially now, when both our food and environment are putting extra demands on our bodies. There’s a lot of solid research backing this up (I’ve included some references below if you want to read more!).
And in particular, if you or someone you know is taking one of the new weight-loss medications – which can reduce appetite or interfere with nutrient absorption – it’s even more important to make sure you are getting all the micronutrients you need.
Fruits and vegetables aren’t as nutrient-rich as they once were, and the change is actually really dramatic. Reviews show a noticeable drop in both vitamins and minerals over the past 60 years. Essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron have declined in UK produce since the 1930s (Davis et al., 2004).
Why? Modern farming, depleted soils, long storage, transport, and processing all reduce nutrient content. Even rising carbon dioxide levels – a sign of climate change – can lower minerals like zinc and iron in staple crops.
So even if you’re eating a colourful, whole-food diet, you might not be getting the same nutrients your grandparents did. Eating well is essential, but it doesn’t always guarantee we’re fully nourished.
On top of food quality, we’re exposed to more chemicals in our environment than previous generations: heavy metals, microplastics, pesticides, phthalates, PFAS – all present in food, water, and air. Studies link exposure to these pollutants with higher risks of diabetes, high blood pressure, developmental issues, and immune problems.
This stress increases the need for certain nutrients, particularly those involved in detox, antioxidant protection, and immune support – like zinc, selenium, magnesium, and vitamins C and E. A broad-spectrum multivitamin is a practical way to give your body the extra support it needs.
One reason I take a multivitamin daily is because of some fascinating research on brain health – especially important given my family history. A study comparing a daily multivitamin to a placebo found that people taking a multi had better memory and overall cognitive function. Researchers said it was like turning back the clock on brain ageing by about two years.
We all know that chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline, and immune issues are on the rise. While lifestyle, diet, genetics, and environment all play a role, one thing we can control is getting enough essential nutrients. Vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, and B-vitamins are crucial for energy, immunity, hormone balance, and cell repair. I like to think of a multivitamin as a safety net – it fills gaps in the diet, helping us stay energetic, resilient, and less prone to getting run down.
If you’re using weight-loss medications, there’s an added reason to prioritise nutrients. GLP‑1 agonists, for example, reduce appetite and slow stomach emptying, which can lower intake of iron, magnesium, potassium, choline, and vitamin D. Lipase inhibitors reduce fat absorption, affecting fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K, and beta-carotene – all vital for immunity, skin, vision, and bone health.
In these cases, diet alone may not be enough. Eating nutrient-dense foods is essential, but a carefully chosen multivitamin or targeted supplement acts as a safety net, helping fill gaps caused by reduced intake or absorption. Combined with movement, hydration, and stress management, it helps keep you nourished, resilient, and energetic while managing weight.
A high-quality multi remains one of the simplest ways to support health for a number of reasons: Even with a healthy diet, it’s easy to miss a few nutrients. A multivitamin plugs those holes; Stress, pollution, medications, and busy lives all increase what your body needs; Topping up nutrients helps your body stay resilient and recover faster.
Choose broad-spectrum formulas with absorbable forms – methylated B-vitamins, magnesium citrate, zinc picolinate, natural vitamin E – and avoid fillers. Not all multis are created equal. Cheap supermarket brands often contain synthetic nutrients and fillers – not because they help, but because they make production easier. They can also contain so little of any given nutrient that they are practically worthless.
Clean, additive-free brands like Viridian or Terranova focus on what really matters: nutrients your body can absorb, with nothing unnecessary. Viridian sums it up: “all our listed ingredients are formulated to provide a health benefit – nothing else is added.” Choosing a cleaner formula tops up nutrients while cutting out unnecessary additives.
Supplements aren’t magic. A colourful nutrient-dense diet, good sleep, daily movement, and stress management are still the foundation of health. Stick to reputable brands, check labels, and consult a practitioner if you take medications or have health conditions. More isn’t always better – the goal is balanced, optimal intake.
For my family, even with all the organic food we eat, modern life makes it clear that diet alone isn’t always enough. That’s why we make sure everyone takes a high-quality multivitamin daily. It’s not the only supplement we use – my drawer is proof! – but it’s clear to me that a good multivitamin is one of the most important ones.
This month we have a wonderful offer from Viridian – they have given us a number of FREE High 5 Multis to give away. If you come in and say you’ve read this article we’ll give you a free month’s supply! It’s a great way of testing how you feel and if it suits you. Be quick though – we only have a certain number to give away!
