However, the panel also stated that some individuals need the supplements. The panel said, "For instance, older women benefit from taking calcium and vitamin D to strengthen their bones, and younger women need to take folic acid to reduce birth defects in any children they may have."
On the other hand, no studies have shown that people benefit from taking multivitamins and mineral supplements while others show that eating healthy and exercising regularly provide more benefits.
Dr. J. Michael McGinnis, a senior scholar with the Institute of Medicine, who chaired the panel, said, "Half of American adults are taking multivitamins and minerals and the bottom line is that we don't know for sure that they're benefiting from them."
While some people may assume that taking more vitamins is okay, some state that taking too much of a certain vitamin, including Vitamin A and Iron, can be toxic.
Since many foods are already fortified with vitamins and minerals, the value of supplements are often questioned. And since many studies show that people, who take vitamins, also take care of their health by eating healthy, it is difficult to know if the extra vitamins were responsible for health benefits.
