What is the main role of multivitamins in a balanced diet?

Multivitamins play a supportive role in a balanced diet rather than serving as a replacement for nutrient-rich foods. They are designed to fill potential gaps in nutrition that can occur based on individual dietary habits. If someone is consuming a balanced diet that includes a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, multivitamins can help ensure that they are getting sufficient levels of essential vitamins and minerals. However, they are not sufficient on their own to meet all health needs, as whole foods provide essential nutrients, fiber, and phytochemicals that are not found in the same quantity or quality in supplement form.

In contrast, the other options suggest either an over-reliance on multivitamins, a misunderstanding of their role, or the idea that they should be taken in large doses for maximum benefit, which can be counterproductive and even harmful. Multivitamins are best viewed as a complement to, rather than a substitute for, a varied and balanced diet.