But surely these placebos make me act healthier. What? People who take vitamins often do so to cover a poor diet? Crumbs.

I have high triglycerides. This article is relevant to my interests.

I may have a bit of atrial fibrillation as well, which is not so good, but what the hey, I don't expect a vitamin to cure everything. I'll also happily take the 8% reduction in all cancers.

So it is a case of good news, bad news, like most nutrition-related health studies. No food is a silver bullet for all health problems, but most of them don't seem to hurt much. It depends on your individual needs.

I can vouch for the probability that vitamins cause more rashes. I do have some problem with nausea with certain types of vitamins as well--the red ones seem to be worst. I don't know what the cause is, but I suspect something in the dye or coating.

There doesn't seem to be much relation between dietary supplements and heart disease, but there are many other benefits as well as risks to consider. All in all, I think a reasonable level of supplementation is a good thing for most of us.

I have as much evidence that the drugs I am taking for my cholesterol and heart work as I do that the supplements do, which is precious little. The supplements are cheaper and easier to get or drop as new evidence comes in. I eat erratically, which is to say sometimes really well and sometimes really badly, so supplements are a natural back-up and insurance system. I don't believe in panaceas.