Vitamin supplements
Children in developing countries who eat a bland diet can become deficient in nutrients, and that can lead to dangerous—and preventable—conditions. Low vitamin A, for example, can lead to blindness. But Americans who eat a varied diet that includes many fortified foods really don’t need supplements, according to researchers.
Americans spend about $30 billion a year on vitamin pills, according to Ars Technica, a science and technology news website. But in most cases boosting nutrient levels does nothing for overall health—and it can hurt. You should deal with any deficiencies—not enough vitamin D, for example, may raise the risk of some chronic conditions and could be a risk for people who live in areas with harsh winters.