The efficacy over the benefits, harms, or placebo effect of vitamins is not agreed upon in the medical industry. It is often debated based on contradictory studies that lead to more opinion than fact. See the article, “The Vitamin Debate” for more information. For those who do take supplements, or are considering taking them in the future, here’s a brief guide to ensuring you do so safely. VITAMINS SUPPLEMENTS, MINERALS, & HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?  Vitamins are essential to good health, and best obtained through food. They are in a group of organic compounds that are essential for normal growth and nutrition and are required in small quantities in the diet because they cannot be synthesized by the body. Minerals have a broader range of functions, and as many as 20 minerals play significant roles in the...