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ESCANABA -- Summer is short in the U.P., and that can mean not enough Vitamin D, which is made when the skin is exposed to the sun.  So some people opt for a supplement.

“However, if we are indoors a lot,” explains Casey Young, a dietician with the Public Health Clinic, “or if we have very extreme temperatures in the winter and cover up a lot and use sun block in the summertime, that kind of prevents our body from making the Vitamin D that we need."

Rachel Clough has an 18 month old and she takes calcium and a multivitamin.

“It makes a big difference,” explains Clough.  “I get sick less often, and if I do get injured, I heal faster.  So there are a lot of benefits."

Taking just one or two supplements is the best recommendation, according to experts.  If you do decide to take multiple vitamins, just space them out every four to six hours.  An example:  calcium and iron often interfere with each other when it comes to absorption, and the body absorbs calcium much better.

But Young says with all the vitamins out there, nothing can beat a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables.  And pairing it with regular exercise is best.   

“It's really important to have a well-rounded workout routine or a wellness regimen in your life.  It's just like when you're putting a recipe together, you have all your ingredients, and if you're missing one, the recipe doesn't quite turn out right," Young said.

Experts say there's no risk in long-term multivitamin use as long as you don't exceed the recommended intake.