Skip the multivitamin: 5 nutrient-rich foods recommended by doctors instead
But health experts say relying solely on supplements may not be the most effective approach.
Below are five doctor-approved foods that can help naturally replace or reduce your reliance on multivitamins.
Some of these may be surprising.
Dr. William Li — physician, scientist and author — noted that spinach is packed with necessary nutrients, including vitamins A, C, B1 (thiamine) and B2 (riboflavin).
He told Fox News Digital the leafy greens also contain vitamins B3 (niacin), B6, B9 (folate) and E.
Spinach is rich in B vitamins and antioxidants and may help lower blood pressure, a doctor told Fox News Digital. iStock
Papaya is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, said Li, author of the 2019 book "Eat to Beat Disease."
"Papaya can help lower inflammation and improve immunity, as well as aid in digestion," Li said.
Lentils are full of B vitamins, Li said, including B1 (thiamine), B2, B3, B5, B6 and B9.
The legumes can "improve metabolism, lower bad LDL cholesterol and lower inflammation," Li noted.
Dr. David Kahana, based in California, also recommended lentils, he told Fox News Digital. He suggested black beans or chickpeas as alternatives.
Adding blueberries, raspberries, strawberries or whatever berry you prefer to your daily diet can be a game-changer, Kahana said.
These fish are "packed with omega-3s for brain and heart health," he said.
There's nothing wrong with a multivitamin — but Li said consuming whole foods is "always the best way" to get in your basic vitamins.
"This is because the foods supply not only the vitamins, but also an array of other useful macro- and micronutrients," he said.
In his clinical work, Kahana emphasized that he always starts "with food first."
"But I'm not anti-supplement," he added.
