Dietary Supplements, Vitamins, etc?

I heard that vitamins, minerals & dietary supplements don't really work. That they are worthless and you are wasting your money & time with them. Does anyone know for sure or recommend how I can find out the truth?
Thanks a bunch!!

Hi Danie. Below are several quotes from the scientific literature. I hope you find them helpful in understanding the value of vitamins and minerals.

1) "Inadequate intake of several vitamins has been linked to chronic diseases, including coronary heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis." - Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), June 19, 2002.

2) "Suboptimal intake of some vitamins, above levels causing classic vitamin deficiency, is a risk factor for chronic diseases and COMMON in the general population..." "Most people do not consume an optimal amount of all vitamins by diet alone." "...it appears prudent for all adults to take vitamin supplements." - JAMA, June 19, 2002.

3) Common micronutrient (vitamins and minerals are micronutrients) deficiencies are likely to damage DNA by the same mechanism as radiation and many chemicals..." "Remedying micronutrient deficiencies should lead to a major improvement in health and an increase in longevity at low cost." - Mutation Research, April 18, 2001.

4) "It is inexcusable that anyone in the world should have an inadequate intake of a vitamin or mineral, at great cost to that person's health, when a year's supply of a daily multivitamin/mineral pill as insurance against deficiencies costs less than a few packs of cigarettes." - Journal of Nutrition, 2003.

Best wishes and good luck.

Multi-vitimans are very good for you, and well worth the money. Herbal drugs on the other hand are a big waste of your hard earned money.

You must seek out a reputable brand - you actually do get what you pay for when it comes to supplements. Many vitamins actually pass through the body intact. You can find some informative info at http://www.shaklee.net/mary_norwood/prod...

Like someone else said, the quality is important. They do work, but they shouldn't be taken as an excuse to eat unhealthy foods.
Should you take vitamin supplements? http://www.mercola.com/2002/jul/10/vitam...
Also, conventionally grown fruits and vegtables aren't as nutritious as organically grown.
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=...
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/health/261...
And to refute what someone else said on here, herbal supplements do work. I take valerian root as a sleep aid, and within 20 minutes of taking it, I'm sleepy enough to fall asleep.

Your assumption is based on no evidence or facts. Do you believe everything that you hear? I heard that your are giving away a million dollars. Is it true? If your serious about your question and not just yanking our chain, read a book called Nutrition Almanac.