How is eating a balanced diet difficult these days? We have access to more food types from around the world than ever before and healthy organic produce markets in every town. Vitamins are more easily adsorbed via natural foods rather than synthetically. I'm not saying vitamin supplements are bad but taking then without knowing whether you are deficient in them is a hit and miss affair and could be harmful. I think it has to be judged on an individual basis rather than glibly recommending the taking of vitamins for everyone. Before we know it we'll have fluoride in the water supply ;-)