What Vitamins Do I Really Need?

The standard response it to get your vitamins from the right foods. However, this is not always accomplished and about a third of the U.S. population takes supplements. Supplement takers generally have better diets than those who do not use them. But we know that intake of some vitamins, such as folic acid, can be suboptimal even if there are no signs of deficiency.

Two of the top nutrition researchers in the world wrote an article for physicians in the December 20, 2001 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine that addresses the issue but does not touch on minerals needed. They examine the evidence for most vitamins and conclude that a multivitamin that does not exceed the RDA is appropriate, especially for women who might become pregnant, the elderly, vegans, and for poor urban residents. They also recommend a separate vitamin E supplement of 400 IU for middle-aged and older Americans to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Here's What You Need to Know

Your Advisor agrees with the first part of the advice but parts company on the recommendation of vitamin E. The intervention studies so far do not convince this writer of any merit of this supplement. There is little likelihood of harm from such doses, so there is no clear-cut answer. The authors sum up their article by suggesting that their recommendations be reviewed annually as more evidence becomes available. This is the nature of scientific progress ­ slow and not always steady.

Ace Vitamins

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