The vitamin epidemic: what is the evidence for harm or value?

摘要

Abstract Complementary medicines are a multibillion‐dollar industry of which vitamin supplements are an important component. Most of the claims of benefit are not evidenced‐based, and vitamin supplements may be associated with severe adverse reactions that are uncommon but can occur with high doses of some vitamins. There is no case for vitamin supplementation in normal, healthy, non‐pregnant or lactating adults who are receiving the recommended daily intake of nutrients.