By Elizabeth Jarrard, Dietetics Student, Sargent College

One of our favorite things at the Sargent Choice Nutrition Center is answering your pressing questions: Michelle George, the Wellness Coordinator at BU Student Health was asked the following nutrition question by a student, and Taylor Gillis, a Nutrition Graduate Student here at Sargent College jumped on the opportunity to respond!

Q: I am a 20-year old female and I am constantly on the run and find myself stressing about what foods are the best choices- I want to make sure I am getting proper nutrition.  Do you all recommend a specific multi-vitamin and if so what should it have in it?

A. Making good food choices can be challenging for busy students, but there’s no need to stress!

The best way to get vitamins and minerals is from whole foods because of the complete nutrient package whole foods provide, including vitamins, minerals, and countless protective plant chemicals.  By eating thoughtfully and using the Sargent Choice Nutrition Center’s 1+2+3 Simple Meal Planning guide choosing satisfying and nutritious food doesn’t have to be hard.

Some individuals may benefit from taking a vitamin and mineral supplement:

• Anyone following a restricted diet (ex: vegetarian, vegan, food allergies or intolerances, diets, or even a diet with little variety).

• Females of childbearing age, especially athletes and those with heavy periods.

• Those that smoke or drink alcohol excessively.

In some cases, including dietary supplements can lead to reaching harmful levels of some nutrients, especially when your diet already incorporates fortified foods like cereals, energy bars, and vitamin drinks.  If you chose to take a dietary supplement, make sure it doesn’t have more than 100% of the RDA for any vitamin or mineral (read the label!).  A good multivitamin that fits these criteria is the basic Centrum, or a generic version of Centrum.

For personalized nutrition advice register for a free appointment with a Registered Dietitian at the  Sargent Choice Nutrition Center.

If you have a question you are dying to ask about nutrition or fitness, email them to nfc@Bu.edu, tweet it in 140 characters @sargentchoice, or leave a comment on our Facebook Page!