Americans are consuming more supplements than ever before. It is estimated that over 30 million dollars is spent each year on various vitamins, minerals, and herbals. And the market continues to grow as our population ages and we attempt to optimize our health in any way we can.

Do vitamin and mineral supplements really prolong life and improve our quality of life? The answer is not known, yet. In fact few long term, well designed studies have even evaluated the majority of supplements on a scientific basis. Select populations will benefit from specific supplementation such as with the following examples:
* prenatal vitamins are important for pregnant women,
* folate supplementation with early pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube defects in newborns,* daily vitamin/mineral supplements with antioxidant nutrients can reduce infections in the elderly by enhancing immune function,
* premature infants need supplemental iron and vitamin K to maintain health,
* people on highly restrictive diets, selected medications which deplete key nutrients, or who abuse alcohol or narcotics are likely to be deficient in micronutrients and should see improved health with supplementation.

The best may to assure adequate nutrition of all vitamins and minerals is to consume a balanced diet which incorporates a variety of foods from fruits and vegetables to meat and dairy to whole grains. If you want additional assurance, you can take a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement which provides 100 to 200 percent of the RDA for all vitamins and minerals. Excess intake of vitamins only leads to expensive urine and can be harmful.

When buying supplements, buy from a reputable company. Some supplements can contain toxic impurities. Vitamin and mineral supplements are regulated by the FDA only if harm (or death) is reported.

If you have a chronic disease such as rheumatoid, diabetes, cancer or HIV, it is advisable to consult with a registered dietitian or physician before taking nutrient supplements.

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