Are there really any benefits to taking a multivitamin? And are there any possible negative effects to taking one?

Multivitamins are no magic pills. Focus on your diet first. If your diet has all the vitamins you need then there’s no need to take any multivitamins. They are just another way to supply your body with the nutrients your food lacks. Always check the dose first and take as much as your doctor/dietitian recommends avoiding any kind of side effects due to over dosage.

I have six cups of coffee in a day, no sugar though. Is that okay?

Up to 400mg of caffeine per day is considered safe for an adult. And one cup of coffee has roughly 90mg of caffeine. So, six cups are too much and lots of caffeine in your system can cause restlessness, insomnia, stomach issues and nausea.

I am in my mid-twenties and was recently diagnosed with high cholesterol. Please suggest a plan of action.

Seek advice from a registered dietitian and get a personalised diet chart for yourself. Meanwhile indulge into some kind of physical activity 150 minutes/week. Eat fiber rich foods, complex carbohydrates and limit processed foods in your diet. Eat in moderation.

I feel lethargic most of the day, like I cannot get out of bed. Is it my diet?

There could be a number of reasons for this. You may be dehydrated, your blood sugar levels might be low, you may have a sedentary lifestyle, you are not eating enough or you may be vitamin D deficient (lack of this vitamin is associated with fatigue and tiredness).

Please suggest multivitamins for a working woman who skips meals?

If you are a working woman and you’re unable to concentrate on your diet then you can add some good multivitamins in your daily routine. Wellwoman or GNC multivitamins are a good choice. •