Think Twice about Vitamin Supplements

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2011/07/11/137761077/vitamin-e-pills-may-raise-not-lower-prostate-cancer-risk

Hmmm.... maybe vitamin supplements aren't the answer.

I've never been a huge fan of taking supplements because it somehow validates a crappy diet - as long as you're getting your vitamins, who cares what you're actually eating, right? Or, if you believe all the health claims that vitamin A supplements will improve night vision or vitamin D supplements will help your osteoporosis or vitamin X supplements will decrease risk of cancer or kidney disease or a heart attack... the fact is, all of these vitamins are present in FOOD!! Real food, that comes from the ground, that is nourished by the Earth's soil, and that nourishes us full-circle. We've survived very well without vitamin supplements for centuries.

As long as you're eating a variety of fruits and veggies, legumes, a little meat or milk or cheese, and whole grains, you don't need that extra 1500% DV of iron, or 560% DV of magnesium or 250% DV of selenium that comes in a little pill. Not to mention, ingesting such high amounts of some nutrients can have adverse effects on your health - this article relays a perfect example.

Now, I'm not fully condemning vitamin supplements. I know there are health conditions requiring vitamin supplements. I'm simply saying that it's probably overkill to be taking a daily multi-vitamin if you're already a healthy individual. Chances are, the vitamins are only making your pee expensive - and keep in mind, the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) are stored in your liver and other places in your body. An excessive amount of these vitamins can cause serious health problems (Vitamin A overdose can be harmful to bones and skin, vitamin E overdose can cause diarrhea and vomiting).

Just some food for thought!