Breaking news about vitamins and dietary supplements appears almost daily. Some headlines question whether supplements have the positive effects for which they showed promise, while others illustrate problems with some supplement products on the market—they may not contain the nutrients claimed on their labels (undermining the very reason we take them!) or they contain more than we bargained for in the form of contaminants. Balancing the negative news with the potential health benefits can make the decision to take a supplement difficult.

As a medical doctor, I believe that dietary supplements are an important part of a healthy lifestyle—and an integrated approach to wellness. While they may not be a cure-all, many of us can derive benefit from taking certain supplements. I estimate that less than 40 percent of us receive the vitamins and minerals we need from our diet, which is why I think everyone should take a multivitamin tailored to our age and gender. For many populations, there is convincing evidence that supplements address specific health needs. Take pregnant women, for example. With a background in midwifery, I am very passionate about helping women achieve healthy pregnancies. For women who are—or intend to become—pregnant, there is strong scientific evidence that a multivitamin with folate can help protect against neural-tube defects and possibly certain cancers in babies. Vitamin D deficiency is rampant among Americans—and has been linked to osteoporosis, certain cancers, fatigue, and chronic pain. It is virtually impossible to get enough of this vitamin without supplementation. Fish oil is known for promoting heart health, but new research is showing positive effects on macular degeneration, a disease that can lead to blindness. So, should we bother taking supplements, as many have asked skeptically? For many of us, the answer is yes.

But what about the question of what is (or isn’t) in supplements? We all deserve to know that the supplement we ingest is a quality product—that it contains the ingredients listed on the label; that it doesn’t contain harmful levels of specified contaminants; that it will break down and release into the body; and that it was made according to good manufacturing practices. I advise people to look for the “USP Verified” Mark (www.uspverified.org). This quality seal is issued by the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), a scientific nonprofit organization that establishes federally recognized standards for the quality of drugs and dietary supplements. It also offers a voluntary verification program to help dietary supplements manufacturers ensure the quality of their products—and consumers to identify such products.

With health—and healthcare—on everyone’s mind, an integrative and preventive approach to wellness is important. Supplements can play a key role in achieving optimal health.