You can't have failed to notice the press reports on how Vitamins are the new killers. As usual, the journalists don't bother to check up on the truth behind a story and certainly don't let the facts get in the way of a blockbuster headline.

Since publication of the 'antioxidants may shorten your life' fiasco, many reasonable commentators in the health field have taken the time to point up the many shortcomings of the so-called science behind the original report.

Briefly, the 'scientists' carefully chose a small proportion of available research papers to 'prove' their point, thus confirming the lies,damned lies and statistics saying. By ignoring any vaguely positive findings they created figures that justify the headline.

I suppose they feel happy, but few can support them.

However, my point is not simply to pour scorn on these researchers, but also to encourage you to continue to take your multivitamin supplements in the way they should. The bottom line is that our current lifestyle and diet means we are almost bound to be a little short in the basic vitamin and mineral levels. A multi-supplement should go some way in topping-up and moving towards the optimum for the very best of health.

As part of this system, you really must take these supplements daily, even before you feel ill or develop any condition. For this is something positive you can take from the published review that caused all the fuss.

Most of the reports reviewed showed that people only started taking their vitamins after they had been diagnosed with a disease. Frequently this was some form of cancer. Unfortunately, with the best will in the world, it may well be too late to start a supplement, especially a standard mix of vitamins and minerals.

Once an illness has developed to the point of giving you symptoms, a supplement such as this may help your health a little, but in that situation, very high doses may be necessary. And in this circumstance, very little research has been done, except for high dose vitamin-C injections as part of cancer treatment.

So, what can you take from this tirade? First of all, get yourself a reasonable supplement of vitamins and minerals - reputable manufacturer, optimum mix for your age and so on in a form that you can swallow. Then take it daily as part of your healthy diet and lifestyle. With any luck you should live as well as you can, for as long as you can. It's not a guaranteed system, but at least you will have done your very best.

Take the pluses from such negative reporting as the media choose to give. Be realistic and ask for clarity before changing your lifestyle and ignoring these essential substances. They're not called vitamins for nothing!

Concerned about health matters? Visit http://www.healthexplored.co.uk to read articles and join our fr ee newsletter subscription list - e-mail newsletters to keep you up to date with health, and a bonus gift that explains food, vitamins and minerals.