When it comes to supplements, more is not always better. Vitamins and minerals are essential for health, but that doesn't mean mega doses will keep you out of the hospital or make you live longer. Some can be downright harmful.
In most cases, it is preferable to obtain these nutrients through a balanced diet. However, high doses of some vitamins and minerals may be appropriate for certain people.
Talk to your doctor about supplements if you are a woman of childbearing age, if you are vegan or vegetarian, if you have problems with prolonged sun exposure, if you are an athlete in a vigorous training regimen, or if you suspect that you may be malnourished for any reason.
In our gallery you can also see a list of the eight most common nutritional supplements - most of which are vitamins you probably don't really need.
