Many nutritionists and health experts are in complete agreement that vitamins, minerals, complete proteins, essential fatty acids, enzymes, trace elements, carbohydrates and amino acids areessential to maintain good health and prevent disease. Yet, there are medical doctors and other health personnel who say that vitamin supplements are a waste of time and money and detrimental to one's health.

Why take vitamins and supplements?

Lately, an increasing number of the world's most prominent nutritionists and medical researchers have been stating, based on research, that food supplements are necessary for health and vitality. Research published in the Journal of the American Association (JAMA), for example, does recommend that all adults take multivitamin supplements to prevent chronic diseases (See Vol. 287. 2002 #23).

Our natural herbs and food are grown using unnatural methods. They are being 'refined' and this process prevents us from getting sufficient (if any) nutrients in our cells to aid body functions.

Chemical fertilisers are being used in abundance. Fifty to 60 years ago, it would be logical to obtain your nutrients from food but our poor environmental situation and widespread use of fertilisers are eroding nutrients from our food.

Lead, mainly from automobiles burning gas, is a serious environmental pollutant. It settles on soil and on crops and is absorbed by vegetables and fruits. Intake of even small amounts of lead can be fatal as the kidneys, liver and the nervous system are usually affected. However, of greatest concern is that the toxin can affect our immune system making us vulnerable to disease. Scientific researchers also believe that lead poisoning causes multiple sclerosis, miscarriages and sexual impotence.

Vitamin B complex

Vitamins are important nutrients, essential for good health and help the body to use the energy stored in foods. As an experienced health professional, I can attest to the wonders of supplements. The prime purpose of food supplements is to fill the nutritional gap produced by faulty eating habits and eating inferior foods. For example, vitamin B complex capsules or tablets are known as the anti-stress vitamin combination that nurtures the nervous system and adrenal glands. This vitamin is exceptionally good to take for physical and emotional stress, and it is a useful supplement for diabetics.

Parents can help their teenagers stay healthy and happy by giving them vitamins. The teen years (13 to 19 years) are usually a period of confusion, and body changes and many teenagers feel that no one understands them, least of all their parents! Vitamins A, C and E are the supplements for them. Instead of introducing them to coffee to maintain their energy to study, give them green tea (Camellia sinensis).

Studies have shown that black and green teas offer more health benefits than coffee, fending off dental cavities, liver and cancer problems (Critical Review of Food Science Nutrition 2003. vol.43 #1).