The simple answer is: probably not. Let’s not forget that it’s the supplement companies job to sell you things. It’s not their job to make you healthier. They’re most important task is to make you think their products make you feel better and live longer, and they want you to buy lots of them for long periods of time. This isn’t to say all supplement companies are evil, because many were at least founded by those who wanted to make a real difference in people’s lives. Still, use caution.
So the question today is really related to vitamins. Many multi-vitamins do contain dramatically excessive doses of vitamins, particularly B-complex and C, as well as several minerals. Research indicates that most B-complex vitamins, except B-6 are safe to take in large doses, and likewise for vitamin C.
The fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E, and K are a different story. These vitamins are stored in the liver and fatty tissues, so over supplementation can be a problem. With these vitamins you should stick to the well-researched dietary guidelines of the US Food and Drug Administration.
Make sure you take a vitamin that adheres closely to the Daily Value (DV) established in the Recommend Dietary Allowance (RDA) and does not exceed the FDAs Upper Intake Level (UL) for that vitamin.
For example, the upper intake level for adults for vitamin A is 3000mcg, and 1000mg for vitamin E.
An interesting article just popped up on CNN about the possibility of certain vitamins actually increasing mortality rates. Read more about it here.
