US Pharm. 2008;33(4):86.

  
A survey conducted by the not-for-profit National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC) revealed that Americans might not be as savvy about the real nutritional value of the vitamins and minerals that many of us take on a daily basis.

While the study showed that two-thirds (67%) of those surveyed thought they were knowledgeable about multivitamins, many do not know which vitamins and minerals are responsible for specific functions in the body. For example, when asked which vitamin is essential for calcium absorption (vitamin D), more than a third said they were not sure.

Some of the other results from the survey include the fact that women are significantly more likely to encourage other family members to take a multivitamin. And, while women are more likely than men to take an active role in maintaining their health, men are more likely than women to take their vitamins regularly.

To comment on this article, contact rdavidson@jobson.com.