P.M. Briefing : Diet Supplement Warning Issued

Vitamin, calcium and fiber supplements that Americans consume by the millions of doses are useless and potentially harmful, said a report today by the National Research Council.

A massive study called “Diet and Health: Implications for Reducing Chronic Disease Risk” recommended that higher-than-needed doses of vitamins be avoided and said that neither fiber nor calcium supplements have any value to health. Instead, the 1,300-page report said, people should eat a variety of foods that provide nutrients naturally. The findings on dietary supplements come at a time when Americans are spending millions of dollars on vitamin pills, calcium powders and capsules and on high-fiber compounds.