Some people have diets that are so bad, they most definitely need to take them. Their diets leave them well short of the recommended daily amounts. If they are unwilling or unable or don't understand how to improve their diets, then a multivitamin and mineral supplement is really important.
The Body Must Prioritise It's Needs
Sadly, the fast food and ready meal culture that too many people rely on to keep them on the go leaves them at a greater risk of cancers and other degenerative diseases. If the body doesn't receive enough of the nutrients it requires, it has to prioritise its needs. It makes sure that the nutrients it does get are used for key functions to ensure its survival. It has no time to worry about long term health.
Those that require supplements the most but take them the least are the elderly, teenagers and the poor.
The groups that are the ones taking supplements are those that have some health knowledge, are better off financially and already eat quite good diets.
Is It A Waste of Money To Take Supplements?
Is this group of supplement takers wasting its money? There are some nutrients that are not all that easy to get even with good dietary habits, so it's not a bad policy to take supplements for health insurance. It may bring some peace of mind and is inexpensive.
Optimum Nutrition
All a basic A-Z nutritional supplement contains is what scientists have learned about our particular nutritional needs. However there are many thousands of chemicals in food, and the form that nutrients are given to us in these basic supplements are not what nature provides.
If you want to go beyond the scientists and back to nature, find supplements that contain vitamin complexes, and concentrates of fruits and vegetables. In this way you are doing more than just taking some insurance, you are actively helping to prevent degenerative diseases.