Vitamins, Necessary?

Two recent prospective studies and numerous others have concluded that the majority of those who take multivitamins do not need to.  There is not enough evidence that vitamins help reduce the risk of cancer, improve heart disease or prevent cognitive decline.  In general, supplements do not prevent chronic disease or death. 

On the other hand, there is no evidence that there is harm from those vitamins supplying 100% of the recommended intakes.  If your diet is “suboptimal” there is no evidence that you will benefit nor does it make up for a “bad” diet. 

(Did You Know?  In many older adults, their stomach does not produce enough acid to separate natural B12 from food which leads to a deficiency resulting in a low blood count.) 

Who benefits from taking a multivitamin? 

1. Women who may become pregnant.
2. Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
3. Strict vegetarians.
4. People on prolonged weight-loss diets.
5. Elderly who either do not eat sufficient or those unable to absorb the necessary vitamins. 

Personally, I take one because of the amount of exercising I do just as I take in more protein than a more sedentary individual. 

From: Tufts University Health and Nutrition, and Univ. of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter.