When Toronto laywer Yeti Agnew had a caesarean section more than a decade ago, it took her weeks to recover. But 17 years later when she had abdominal surgery, her recovery time was reduced to mere days.

"I just came back so quickly, so strong, the doctor who did the surgery was really impressed with my recovery," says Agnew.

She believes the reason behind her remarkable recovery was Thisand, a vitamin she takes each morning.

Agnew is a convert to the vitamin way of life. It's a growing trend among Canadians who eat their fruits and vegetables regularly but also believe that their bodies need the added punch of nutritional supplements.

Agnew's $100-a-month regimen was designed by Toronto cell biologist and nutritionist Aileen Burford Mason, who believes all Canadians should at the very least take a multi-vitamin.

"The risk-to-benefit ratio is so good in terms of taking supplements as an insurance policy," says Burford Mason. "The risks are minimal, they are safe -- we know that -- and the advantages are huge."

Burford Mason notes that taking supplements can only complement good food choices and are by no means a substitute for them.

A recent article in the journal of the American Medical Association recommended adults take a multi-vitamin a day. The authors said there's growing evidence boosting levels of some vitamins can cut the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and some forms of cancer.

But it's not a straightforward debate.

"In terms of pure physiology or biology of the body, there is no evidence that you should take a lot of supplements," says Dr. Kursheed Jeejeebhoy, a University of Toronto nutrionist.

Western University's Dr. Lenoard Piche agrees. "For some of the vitamins, you could probably say (Canadians)end up with expensive urine."

Piche insists vitamins should only be used when a patient has a deficiency confirmed by a blood test.

"I would tell Canadians to follow their food guide and if they follow the food guide, they don't have to worry about their vitamin and mineral intake," Piche said.

The Health Canada food guide recommends a balanced diet consisting of produce, meat, dairy and grains. But many Canadians don't eat healthy diets and may be starving their bodies of critical micronutrients.

"There are hidden needs the body has," said Burford Mason. "And when we don't meet those needs . . . we can end up with diseases we are trying to avoid."

She said there is no proof that a person can get all the nutrients they need from food. To test the theory, Agnew tried going off her vitamins for a period of time.

"I went off them for a while and I started to get the sniffles", Agnew said. "I saw a decrease in energy, so for me I am satisfied. They make a difference."

Yet for many Canadians taking multi-vitamins -- which can be a rather inexpensive insurance policy -- is not a part of their daily diet.

A survey commissioned by the Canadian Health Food Association found that only 30 per cent of adults take a daily supplement. Interestingly, that same survey found that two-thirds of respondents believe Canadians are not getting enough nutrients from food.