The prevailing conventional wisdom from many experts says that diet is enough. However, there is much more to consider. So, really, there is no way most of us would get the needed amount of vitamins. Various groups developed recommendations that turn out to be based on unrealistic statistical norms, overlooking individual differences. Much present-day thinking is that these recommendations should be changed.
Many experts now think so.
Supplemental vitamins are the second step. Popping vitamins won't make up for poor diets or skipped meals. New studies indicate that elevated homocysteine may promote atherosclerosis and blood vessel damage as much as cholesterol. Inexpensive tests for homocysteine will soon be available. It's now generally accepted that heavy accumulation of free radicals that result from our body's metabolism and energy use can damage healthy cells.