In clinical practice, the question that is often asked is whether vitamins or mineral supplements are needed as part of a healthy lifestyle and also whether they are actually effective in conferring their advertised health benefits. In other words, are vitamins and mineral supplements needed in our lives?

It is acknowledged and well established that for the majority of the population, eating a balanced diet composed of a variety of foods provide all the nutrients required for good health.

The British Dietetic Association recommends diet as the preferred route to getting nutrients and as long as this can be achieved, supplements are not required. However, vitamins and mineral supplements can or may be beneficial in maintaining good health in some groups of the population as long as they are used safely. Higher intake of certain nutrients may be beneficial in some cases for example:

• Calcium and Vitamin D supplements for those at risk of developing osteoporosis.
• Folic acid supplements (400mcg daily) for women planning to conceive and up until the 12th week of pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects such spina bifida type disorders.
• Vitamins B12 for strict vegans or those few people who cannot absorb this particular vitamin.
• Vitamin D for breastfeeding women and infants under the age of 2 years.
• Iron supplements for people suffering with iron deficiency anaemia.

The important thing is that supplements should not be taken in doses that exceed the recommended daily amount (RDA). The use of vitamins doses far exceeding the recommended daily amounts or 'mega dosing' has grown in recent years due to claims of curing or preventing a variety of conditions including colds, cancer, schizophrenia, hyperactivity, delaying ageing and helping the body cope better with stress.

There is no scientific evidence to support these claims; rather, studies have shown that this practice can have adverse effect on health.