Am I taking the Right Supplements?

Q. My family has been taking supplements for many years. We've been taking 1000 mgs of D, 400 IU of E and 10,000 IU of vitamin A everyday. Since we live in a northern latitude, I feel it is important to include these supplements with calcium, magnesium, selenium, zinc, vitamin C, etc. Our new homeopathic doctor recently told us she believes taking D, A, and E are unnecessary because they store up in the liver. She feels this is part of a supplement fad and that we are overdosing on A, D and E which could damage our livers. What is your opinion?

A: The doses you've indicated are not high enough to cause toxicity; Research continues to show the benefits of vitamin D indicating the importance of this nutrient has been greatly underestimated. If you take cod liver oil regularly, you don't need as much A and D. Also, be sure to identify how much of these nutrients are in your multivitamin. Refrain from taking more than 400 IU of supplemental vitamin E (also found in vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds). I think you're on the right track.