Do vitamin supplements work?

Many of us are familiar with  vitamin supplements. Grocery  stores, nutritional stores and  pharmacies all carry multivitamins or various mineral  or vitamin supplements.  

Vitamins and minerals are crucial  to how our bodies function, and  it’s important that the we get the  right kinds and the right amounts  of each. 

It is estimated that more than  half of Americans take some  form of mineral, vitamin or  multivitamin supplement. Their  effectiveness often depends  upon the individual. Overall  health, diet, and whether you are  taking medicines can play a part  in how well supplements may  benefit you. 

Individuals who do not eat red  meat, for example, often do not  get sufficient amounts of B  vitamins, iron or protein, so  supplements may be recommended for them. People  who eat little or no seafood may  be lacking in Omega 3 or fatty  acids. Vitamin D supplements are  popular as people spend more  time indoors and get less  sunlight. 

Ultimately, supplements cannot substitute for a healthy and well-balanced diet. Work with your  health care provider if you wish to take supplements to ensure  you are taking the correct types  and amounts, and that they do  not conflict with any existing  medical issues.

Dr. Bala Simon is an associate professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine in the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.