Are vitamins really good for you?

Doctors, nutritionists and specialists are generally undecided as to whether taking vitamins every day really does improve our health. The last few years have resulted in several studies that have shown that taking extra vitamins every day do nothing for our overall health and well-being if we are an adult in good health. What you have to remember is that the supplement industry is a clever, multi-million-dollar industry, which puts a lot of time and effort into its advertising. People can get disillusioned by all the claims and expect that popping a pill every day can give a new lease on life or rid them of all their health issues. Then, when this doesn't happen, they set about trying another vitamin that they hope will give them the feeling they are after. In reality, many consumers now expect too much from supplements because of the advertising and claims they have been exposed to, and they hold an unrealistic view of what food supplements can do for them.

The importance of a healthy diet

Any adult that has a healthy, balanced diet should be acquiring all the nutrients and minerals they need straight from their diet with no need to supplement further. Our body is very clever and extracts every last bit of nutrition out of our food, so if you eat well you shouldn't be deficient in anything.

When vitamins may have some benefits, however, are in people who suffer from chronic conditions such as arthritis, alcoholics who sap nutrients out of their bodies without replacing them and people who feel they are run down. In these cases, there is no harm in supplementing your diet with a daily multi-vitamin. Whether it actually works or not is another story, as some experts say that vitamins, especially in capsule form, simply go right through the body and end up in the toilet.

Peace of mind

It is believed that taking vitamins may have become a peace-of-mind ritual for some people and makes them feel better whether the actual vitamin has an effect or not. This is a psychological effect rather than physical feeling and for people anxious about their health, it can help stop the worry. It has been concluded in many studies that, as long as you do not take more than the recommended daily allowance, vitamins do no harm, but they may not actually do you any good either and certainly do not replace a healthy, balanced diet.

If you feel happier supplementing your lifestyle with them then go for it, but if you eat well, exercise and avoid drinking and smoking, the chances are you are fine without them.

More on vitamins and supplements

How much vitamin C do you need?
The right way to take supplements
How to buy the best supplements