I've taken multi-vitamins + minerals most of my adult life. I've tried going without and I end up lacking energy. I've tried iron alone and that isn't it, so I keep taking them and try to eat a healthy diet. There is something I don't get enough of with diet alone, and I'd admit that it could all be in my head, so I keep taking them. This last year I have added B-12 and D3 because I've done a lot of reading and found out older people can be deficient because their digestion doesn't work as well. DH was having some problems (and he's had major surgery which took out a bit of his intestine) so I've been reading a lot. His doctor can't figure out what was wrong, but after more than a year of taking B-12 he's feeling better. (He didn't test low. I haven't been tested--keep forgetting to ask.)
I like Centrum and used to take the Long's generic too, but since CVS took over I find I don't like so many of their products that I stick to name brands. I'm careful to make certain that I don't take more than the maximum suggested amount.
I've gone through all kinds of fads through the years. Remember C and then B-6 for women, which turned out to be dangerous for some? I used to take a lot of Brewer's yeast and can't remember why I stopped. When I was suffering with migraines I took vitamin packs I bought from my MD. (They didn't help, but menopause revealed the headaches were hormonal.)
Larinda I've read that some older people don't absorb enough of the right kind of D through sun exposure. And since I've got problems with pre-cancers, I avoid the sun.
