Should You Take a Multivitamin If You Have ARFID? What You Need to Know

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder that goes beyond picky eating. People with ARFID may have extremely limited diets due to sensory sensitivities, fear of adverse reactions, or lack of interest in food, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies. This raises a common question: should you take a multivitamin if you have ARFID? ARFID eating disorder treatment is not one-size-fits all.

Understanding the role of multivitamins and the importance of individualized nutrition care can help you make safer, more effective choices.

Why Multivitamins Can Help (And Their Limitations)

A multivitamin can serve as a safety net when your diet isn’t providing all the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs. For someone with ARFID, who may avoid entire food groups or have extremely limited intake, multivitamins can help prevent deficiencies in nutrients like:

• Iron

• Vitamin D

• Calcium

• B vitamins

• Zinc

However, multivitamins aren’t a cure-all. They can’t replace the benefits of balanced nutrition, and taking supplements without professional guidance can sometimes lead to excesses, which may cause digestive discomfort or other health concerns.

Choosing the Right Multivitamin

Not all multivitamins are created equal, and for individuals with ARFID, it’s important to consider:

• Form: Some people tolerate chewable vitamins better, while others prefer capsules, powder, or liquid forms.

• Dosage: Avoid high-dose “mega” vitamins unless recommended by a professional—more isn’t always better.

• Nutrient gaps: A multivitamin may not cover all deficiencies, so your dietitian may recommend additional supplements for specific nutrients (like iron, vitamin D, or omega-3 fatty acids).

• Sensory preferences: Taste, texture, and smell can affect whether a person with ARFID will consistently take a supplement. Choosing an acceptable form is essential for adherence.

For individualized guidance on whether to use multivitamins or which ones are best for you, contact Couture Wellness.

Integrating Multivitamins into ARFID Eating Disorder Treatment

Multivitamins work best as part of a comprehensive nutrition plan. Functional dietitians can:

• Assess dietary intake and identify nutrient deficiencies

• Recommend multivitamins or targeted supplementation tailored to your needs

• Help develop strategies for introducing new foods gradually to reduce reliance on supplements

• Monitor nutrient status over time to ensure adequacy and safety

Remember: a multivitamin is a supportive tool, not a replacement for balanced nutrition or therapy. The goal is to gradually expand your diet, ensuring your body receives the nutrients it needs from both food and supplements when necessary.

The Role of an Eating Disorder Dietitian

Working with a dietitian for eating disorder—especially one experienced in ARFID—can provide individualized guidance. They can:

• Assess nutrient deficiencies based on your diet and medical history

• Recommend appropriate multivitamins or targeted supplements

• Help expand your food repertoire safely and gradually

• Support overall nutritional health while respecting sensory sensitivities and eating patterns

An eating disorder dietitian doesn’t just create a generic meal plan—they work with your preferences, experiences, and capacity, ensuring nutrition is achievable and sustainable.

Eating Disorder Counseling for Your Individual Needs

At Couture Wellness, we offer compassionate, individualized care for anyone navigating ARFID or other eating disorders. Our team of functional dietitians partners with therapists and other providers when needed, providing coordinated care that addresses both nutritional and emotional needs.

Whether you’re considering a multivitamin or looking to expand your diet safely, our services help you build a plan tailored to your life, preferences, and goals. Most clients pay $0 out-of-pocket, and our simple online booking makes starting care easy.

If you or a loved one are seeking ARFID eating disorder treatment, Couture Wellness is here to provide an inclusive, judgment-free space where your health, identity, and well-being come first.

Contact us for compassionate care.