Vitamins -- To Take or Not to Take

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Vitamins--To Take Or Not To Take One of the most common public health questions is whether or not to take vitamins. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health have attempted to find the answer. For their article, which was published in the December 20, 2001 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, the investigators examined evidence from previous studies of the effects of vitamins on your health. They concluded that a daily multivitamin that does not exceed the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of any of its ingredients is probably beneficial for most adults. However, they stressed that vitamins are not a substitute for a healthy diet, as food contains other healthy compounds, such as fiber, that are not found in vitamins. They also found that vitamin supplementation may be especially important for certain groups, such as the elderly, vegans, inner-city residents, women who may become pregnant, and people who consume alcohol daily.- M. EllmanThese tips are for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical attention or professional diagnoses. If you have health concerns, or want to start an exercise program, please consult your health care provider before embarking on any activity or treatment.