Are vitamins necessary?

The dietary supplement world is a billion dollar market. As the world slowly starts to become more health conscious, increasing sales in the supplement world follow. But what do you really need to stay healthy?

There's a great video on the ABCNews.com health section this morning, analyzing the benefit of vitamins.

From multivitamins, fish oil, calcium, to B vitamins, so many people are under the assumption that more is better, and attempt to protect themselves from illness in the future. However, supplements are expensive, and furthermore, the ABCNews video said manufacturers don't have to prove to consumers that their products work.

"Last year Americans spent $22.5 billion on dietary supplements hoping to buy into protection of a whole range of illnesses."
- ABCNews.com

A Harvard school of public health representative told ABCNews that a multivitamin should be enough for most people, and suggested only pairing that with a vitamin D supplement.

Cutting back on unnecessary supplements could save you around $1,000 a year, depending. With such a drastic swing of money back into your wallet, is splurging for unneeded vitamins necessary?

If you feel the need to go over and beyond a multi-vitamin, consult your doctor. One trip there to clear things up can put you on the right track to taking what you need, and put your wallet at ease.

What vitamins do you regularly take, and why?