Do vitamin supplements really work and are they always safe?

I believe you have to be careful when taking supplements with prescription medicine.
I was taken off calcium as they have discovered it can lead to heart problems under certain conditions.

I was once married to a chemist who said all the vitamins were "rubbish"! However this was many years ago.

I tend to buy natural ones when I do buy them and take joint supplements and vitamin B and sometimes in winter vitamin D.

I do think you need to be careful and discuss them with your doctor.

by Finy

I believe this is a personal choice (like most things come to think of it!)...I am a believer in taking some supplements ie a multi every day and some others I won't mention here....I think what your body doesn't take up get flushed away and have heard on good authority that you can't possibly get all the nutrition your body needs every day with the food you eat.,..just 'my choice' to take supplements

by Fran

There are way too many supplements on the market, and we need to really consult a dietician or nutritionist or whoever specializes in these supplements and find out whether we absolutely need to take them and if there is a natural way to remove the deficiency. Anything that goes into our bodies has a side effect in a way, so why put in extra supplements when they are not really required.

by Happy Mom

I don't take any prescription medicine, but I take daily vitamins. Traditional western medicine severely failed me and only through alternatives have I managed to have a quality of life. I know for 100% certainly that supplements work.

by Tracie Louise

I think it depends on your diet. Not just what you eat but the quality of the food. Three years ago, I used to take and felt I needed vitamins every day. Then I switched to organic fruit, veg and meat. I stopped taking the vitamins and realised that I didn't need them anymore because I no longer felt tired or sick. So for me now they are not necessary, but back then they were.

by Sarah Bell

I think they do work when taken in the right dosage and at the right time. However consultation with your Doctor is important as there can be problems when taken with prescription medications.

by Shelley Murphy

I believe this is a personal choice (like most things come to think of it!)...I am a believer in taking some supplements ie a multi every day and some others I won't mention here....I think what your body doesn't take up get flushed away and have heard on good authority that you can't possibly get all the nutrition your body needs every day with the food you eat.,..just 'my choice' to take supplements

by Fran

I have taken certain supplements when my medical team has recommended that I do so. Because I am on life saving meds,I have to be very aware of any interactions which might occur. It is vitally important for me to discuss everything with my very amazing and forward thinking team who know my condition intimately. My parents take supplements and have done so for many years,Again it was after discussion with their doctor of 30 years,who knows their situations extremely well. I believe that eating a healthy diet can often mean that you get enough of just about everything your body requires. My doctors seem to feel the same way,though they will sometimes suggest a short burst of a particular supplement if I am having symptoms which indicate the need for it.If they are needed I only use natural ones,and the,best quality I can get.

by Jules

I don't take multi-vitamins. I don't agree with it. I don't know why I just don't like the ideas of popping pills everyday

by AJ