Only Some Vitamins Have Clear Benefit

A federal panel reviewed the research on vitamin supplements, and concluded that there's not enough evidence to either support or dispute their benefit. Only three vitamins have proven to have a clear protective benefit:

1. Folic acid (taken by pregnant women to prevent birth defects)
   
   
2. A combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, and the minerals copper and zinc (for the reduction of macular degeneration)
   
   
3. Calcium and vitamin D (for reducing the risk of bone fractures)
   

So much more research needs to be done to make more conclusions. My general recommendation for now: A multivitamin that gives you 100% DV is probably good insurance, but since some studies show no benefit from vitamins, and even negative side effects from too much of some vitamins, don't over-do it! Try to get the majority of your nutrients from the foods you eat. There are clear benefits from eating more fruits and vegetables, but we haven't been able to isolate all the benefits and put them in a pill!

Committed to your health,
Maren