Consumers today are understandably confused about whether they are taking the "right" vitamin, mineral, or herbal supplement for their needs. They become further perplexed when the news media pounces on some isolated study, which seems to demonstrate possible harm. Unfortunately, the public is never given the whole story. That is, for every one of these negative studies there are dozens or hundreds which show benefits. The end result is that too many consumers are neglecting an important aspect of health maintenance and disease prevention.

The old mantra used to be "you don't need vitamins if you eat a balanced diet." Here's the reality. Americans are over-fed but under nourished. The top three most consumed vegetables are potatoes (as french fries), tomatoes (as ketchup and pizza sauce), and iceburg lettuce (nearly worthless). Pop has replaced milk at the dinner table. Is it any wonder that we have alarming rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and Alzheimer's?

We need to get back to basics. Prepare wholesome natural foods from scratch and reduce consumption of fast food and sweets. Increase consumption of essential fats from fish and flax. Next, take a basic nutrition insurance policy. Here are my simple suggestions:
Take a high-potency natural multiple vitamin. Avoid ones with synthetic d-l form vitamin E or artificial colors. Take a good calcium-magnesium-zinc-vitamin D formula @ 2-4/day. Choose calcium citrate or amino acid chelate over calcium carbonate for enhanced absorption.

Take either a nutritional antioxidant (with natural vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and selenium) or an herbal antioxidant. The ideal formula would have most of the following twelve super-herbs: green tea, milk thistle, curcumin, quercitin, bromelain, cranberry, rosemary, grape seed, ginkgo, hawthorn, bilberry and ginger.

This program is a great start for any teenager or adult who is interested in maintaining or attaining optimal health. Because individuals vary, one may require the services of a qualified nutritionist for more specific needs.