Vitamin Substitution Beyond Childhood—Requirements and Risks

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Vitamins are essential but often inadequately supplied by diet alone.
• Understanding vitamin supplementation's role is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the advantages, disadvantages, and indications for vitamin supplementation.
• To assess the necessity of supplementation in various life situations.

Main Methods:

• A selective literature search was conducted.
• Pertinent publications were retrieved and analyzed.

Main Results:

• Most Germans consume adequate vitamins, except for vitamin D and folate.
• No strong evidence supports supplementation for primary disease prevention in balanced diets.
• Supplement use is common among adults with balanced diets, particularly vitamins C and E.

Conclusions:

• Supplementation is recommended for specific groups: folic acid (pregnant women), vitamin B12 (vegans, absorption issues), vitamin D (low synthesis).
• Dietary changes should be considered first for most individuals.
• Adverse effects and risk-benefit must be evaluated for all supplementation.