For example, pregnant and breastfeeding women usually need multiple vitamin and mineral supplements. Their nutrient needs are often higher than what can be provided by a normal diet. Some people, particularly the elderly, do not eat an adequate diet for a variety of reasons. Arthritis and other disorders make it difficult to prepare foods. Teeth or chewing problems may make it difficult to eat foods like fruits, vegetables, meats, and high fiber foods.
Some people have diseases that interfere with absorption of vitamins.
Others take medicines that interfere with absorption of vita- mins. If you think that you may have any of these problems, it is important to discuss it with your doctor or a registered dietitian. We store fat soluble vitamins in our bodies in fatty tissues and in the liver. Because we store these vitamins, we can build up so much in our tissues that we can become ill. This occurs only if a person takes extra supplements of these vitamins.