Answer to Question 1
Major health organizations and other experts say that taking a multivitamin-mineral supplement, under the guidance of a physician or dietitian, may be in order for these particular groups of people:
People restricting energy intake for weight loss
People with certain diseases or those taking medications that interfere with appetite, absorption, or excretion of nutrients
Strict vegetarians, whose diets may fall short in vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and zinc
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, phases that bolster the need for nutrients, including iron and folate
Women with excessive menstrual bleeding, who may need iron supplements
Women during their childbearing years who do not consume folate-rich foods or foods fortified with folic acid; they may need more folate in their diets to prevent neural tube defects in infants
People with a specific nutrient gap that cannot or is not otherwise being filled by the individual's food intake. For example, people with lactose intolerance, or who do not consume milk or other dairy productsthey need a source of calcium; those with inadequate exposure to sunlight may also need vitamin D
Older adults, who may have difficulty choosing an adequate diet, chewing problems, or a reduced ability to absorb and metabolize certain nutrients
People who are recovering from surgery, burn injuries, or other illnesses that increase nutrient needs
People with chronic diseases of the digestive tract or other conditions that lead to poor intake or deplete nutrient stores
People with alcohol or other drug addictions, who are likely to have a shortage of vitamins and minerals in their diets
Answer to Question 2
C