The use of vitamin supplements in self-medication

Abstract

Supplements, frequently containing vitamins, are often taken to try to compensate for an unhealthy life style or in an attempt to maximise health or performance. As illustrated by vitamin E, fundamental issues on both the efficacy and safety of the chronic use of relatively high dosages of vitamins still need to be resolved. To recommend the application of vitamin supplements, firstly the gaps in our knowledge on these fundamental issues should be filled. Secondly, objective and scientifically sound information should be given to the public. Via diverse sources there is an uncontrolled supply of vitamins. Educating the consumer on vitamins is therefore the only way to come to a rational use of vitamin supplements in self medication.