[Michael]

Originally Posted by whitecrow

If I could put it a little differently, I'd say "Pills are not THE way."

Vitamin D like any supplement can be overdone and can be toxic at high or sustained doses. On the other hand it can be used to address a number of conditions in the body that may have a cascade effect leading to chronic illness. Balance is always called for.

I sell supplements, and I absolutely agree that people tend to take too many. My boss doesn't like me to say it, but 90% of what we sell is superfluous and unnecessary...it's figuring out which 10% is important that's the challenge, because it's different for everyone.

I also agree that by far the best source of nutrition is natural, organic FOOD. At best supplements can be, well, supplemental. The fact is that due to soil depletion, our best produce contains only a fraction of the nutrition that was in the same vegetables and fruits half a century ago. Add to that the toxic diet that most people try to live on, and supplementation not only makes sense, it is mandatory.

Caveat emptor! Snake oil abounds! I know my boss tries to stock only quality products, and I try to guide people through the maze as best I can, but the best approach is the simplest. Eat as well as you can, get enough rest, exercise, and don't worry. Love someone. Be happy. And don't overdo the vitamin D.

A question since you're in the business...Thinking ahead, if someone was eating mostly canned goods for a period of time, what vitimins would be recommended, and in what quantitiies?