VITAMINS
It has become increasingly clear that oxidative reactions caused by "free radicals" and other processes are important factors in various problems including: cancer, aging and arthritis. They also contribute to nervous system deterioration like Alzheimer's disease and lowered immune status which can lead to more frequent and more severe infections.
I have always been skeptical about vitamins or any other nutritional supplements. However, over the last ten years I have begun to take a variety of them, mostly anti-oxidants.
It is my belief that the following supplements are safe and may be effective in maintaining optimal health. They may also lower the risk of the problems noted above. The value of these additives is supported by enough human and animal research that I take them. There are also sound biochemical principles which support a theoretical rationale about how they might work.
Here's what I take every day (half with breakfast, half with lunch or dinner):
Two multi-vitamins
Chromium, 200 mcg
Vitamin C, 2000 mg
Calcium, 1000 mg
Vitamin E, 2000 I.U.
Magnesium, 400 mg
Selenium, 400 mcg
Zinc, 20 mg
The exact form is probably not important except for chromium which should be in the form of picolinate or polynicotinate. I usually buy the least expensive brands at Longs and stock up when they have a sale.
Exercise has a very powerful anti-aging and anti-cancer effect. It is also useful in weight control, cardiovascular fitness and stress reduction. Exercise has powerful anti-depressant effects and is the single best treatment for PMS.
These recommendations are NOT for pregnant women or women who might become pregnant.