ABSTRACT
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................. 193 Vitamin A ................................................................................................................................................................................ 194 β-Carotene ............................................................................................................................................................................... 194 Ribofl avin ................................................................................................................................................................................ 196 Niacin ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 197 Vitamin B6 .............................................................................................................................................................................. 198 Vitamin B12 ............................................................................................................................................................................ 198 Folic Acid ................................................................................................................................................................................ 199 Folate and Dementia .............................................................................................................................................................. 201 Vitamin C ................................................................................................................................................................................ 201 Vitamin D ................................................................................................................................................................................ 203 Vitamin E ................................................................................................................................................................................ 205 Vitamin K ................................................................................................................................................................................ 208 Calcium ................................................................................................................................................................................... 208 Magnesium .............................................................................................................................................................................. 209 Zinc ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 210 Selenium ................................................................................................................................................................................. 211 Chromium ............................................................................................................................................................................... 212 References ............................................................................................................................................................................... 212
Emerging scientifi c evidence suggests that vitamins and minerals provide health benefi ts that may go beyond the repletion of potential nutritional defi ciency states. This science indicates that these benefi ts may be conveyed by intakes at or above recommended daily allowances. For some of these health benefi ts, the scientifi c evidence base is convincing, while support for the potential benefi ts are just emerging for others. In many cases, the association between a particular vitamin and mineral and its benefi cial effects is derived from nutritional epidemiological studies. Intervention studies are either underway, or are warranted, in order to demonstrate a casual nutrient benefi t link. Additionally, in the case of multivitamin supplementation, further investigation is needed in order to determine and characterize the nutrient or nutrient interactions that may produce a particular benefi cial effect. What follows is an up-to-date description of the emerging benefi ts of vitamins and minerals and the scientifi c support for each.
