An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Yes, we’ve all heard of that age-old adage. But to keep up with the changing times and fast-paced lifestyles today, we need more than just that apple to skip a trip to the clinic.

It’s true that most of the nutrients and minerals that we need are found in fruits and vegetables. However, consuming a healthy serving of these types of foods daily are just not enough. We have to be more proactive by implementing a daily dose of vitamins in our diet.

For some people, if not most, taking vitamins is an integral step in their day-to-day routine. It plays a huge part in starting the day right for them, along with breakfast as health supplements, as a general rule, should not be taken on an empty stomach.

There are those who’ve heard their moms or dads say, "Honey, don’t forget your vitamins!" growing up. Lucky for them, taking vitamins has become a habit. And then there are those who insist that forgoing vitamins does not really affect their performance compared to those days they have had vitamin intake, convincing themselves that it is not a necessary element when it comes to healthy living.

The truth is, not everyone is able to maintain a well-balanced diet. Ideally, the top source for these vitamins are the fruits and vegetables that we eat. But let’s face it. We have to be more realistic and take into account potential circumstances that could prevent us from adhering strictly to our healthy food plan.

"The main reason I take supplements is for insurance against gaps in my diet," said American author and physician Dr. Andrew Weil, MD, as he discusses the importance of vitamins in a special three-part series on the Today show.

Most Americans, with their love and praise for highly processed and fattening food, already fail to meet the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Eating too much is bad in itself, but eating too much of the bad stuff is a lot worse. Readily available salted meats such as cured ham, bacon and sausages have high nitrate content. In case you didn’t know, salt is a major culprit in robbing you of the vitamins in your system.

What’s more is that if you are the kind of person who relies on alcohol, cigarette and coffee fixes to get you through the day, be aware that the unhealthy chemicals brought about by these habits are found to deplete your body’s supply of nutrients.

"Also, researchers are finding that some important vitamins (D and E particularly) and minerals are protective against disease in amounts that may be difficult to obtain through diet alone, no matter how conscientious you are. This is another reason I take supplements faithfully and encourage my patients to do so as well," Weil added.

Even if you follow a clean and organic lifestyle, you will still profit from taking vitamins. In fact, these particular health supplements go hand in hand in maintaining wellness of the mind, body and heart for health-conscious people. Keep this in mind now: take your vitamins before you head out the door. You really have nothing to lose.