Many Adults May Benefit from Vitamin Supplementation

An article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (2002;287(23):3127–3129) suggests that vitamin supplementation may be appropriate for a large portion of the population. While severe deficiency syndromes such as pellagra or beriberi are uncommon in industrialized nations, the authors note that suboptimal nutrient intake is widespread and can meaningfully increase disease risk.

According to the review:

  • Low levels of folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 are linked with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers (including breast and colon cancers), and neural tube defects in developing fetuses.

  • Insufficient intake of antioxidant nutrients—particularly vitamins A, C, and E—has been associated with a variety of chronic diseases.

  • Given that many Americans do not consume enough of these nutrients from diet alone, supplementation may offer a safe and practical strategy for improving nutrient status and supporting overall health.