If a patient eats very few vegetables but takes vitamin tablets, what is the most appropriate expert advice?

Correct answer: Include vegetables in a varied balanced diet to obtain fibre and other nutrients

Vitamin supplements may help correct a diagnosed deficiency, but they do not fully replace the fibre, water, variety of vitamins and minerals, and beneficial plant compounds supplied by vegetables. The patient should therefore include suitable vegetables in a varied balanced diet, while using supplements only as advised by a qualified professional. Increasing the dose without advice may be ineffective or harmful, and supplements cannot correct every problem caused by a poor dietary pattern. Food-based improvement remains the central goal unless a clinical condition requires a specific modification.