Multivitamin for restricted diet and vit D supplementation

Nutrition Q&A [Moderated]
1

I’ve read the sticky on multi’s but I have a specific question.

I’m active duty Army stationed in Fairbanks AK.

I eat in the dining facility and have a very limited diet. Mostly we get served processed foods and lots of starches. I make up for the lack in protein with 4 scoops of whey per day and try to eat produce as much as possible but it’s expensive here.

I also spend up to 6 weeks at a time in the field, 3-4 times a year, training and eating MRE’s for every meal. They’re 100% processed foods devoid of any fiber and little protein and little micro nutrients.

Should I take a multi vitamin or other supplement to make up for all of this? Especially while in the field. We’ve also been advised to take Vit D in the winter because of the lack of sunlight, mostly as a way to stave off depression. Any advice on this?

Thanks in advance!

2

Mdowning,

Thanks for the post and for your service.

To answer your question, I would not recommend a multivitamin as it is my understanding MRE’s are specifically formulated to meet the RDI for most vitamins and minerals.

With respect to vitamin D, I think if you are low (as evidenced by lab testing) then you should take vitamin D as advised by your doctor. If you’re not low, it is unlikely that taking more vitamin D will help you.