Who Requires Vitamin Supplements

You know your body needs more than a few Flintstone vitamins nowadays, right? But which supplements are right for you? How much can be too much? This story may be the difference between liver damage and a healthy heart.

Casey Taylor: John Bellizzi loves hitting the weights. He also loves his supplements. Those pills are a workout staple. John Bellizzi: I take my vitamins. I take my vitamin pack. I take my vitamin D. Casey Taylor: But does everyone need them? You might if you're a vegetarian, have food allergies or if you consume less than 1,600 calories per day. Those folks may not be getting enough food or varieties of foods. Pharmacist Sam Pratt says vitamins boost a poor diet. Sadly, the U.S. government says only 10 percent of Americans eat healthy. Dr. Sam Pratt: If we get those things right, then we give the body the opportunity to heal itself. Casey Taylor: But mega-dosing on vitamins A, K, E and D can lead to bone and liver damage. Dr. Sam Pratt: Zinc is an incredible mineral that a lot of people are deficient in. Casey Taylor: Zinc is a good utility vitamin, boosting your vision, your ability to heal, and it helps you fight infections. Foods like lobster, crab and yogurt are all good sources of zinc. While John continues to pump iron and pop pills, but you may not need to. The U.S. government says if you're healthy and eat all four food groups most of the time, you don't need a thing. I am Casey Taylor reporting.