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Werner Bartens
Millions of people can’t be wrong – or can they? Just over half of adults in the US take vitamins and minerals in the form of dietary supplements. According to the latest surveys, the proportion of those who consume such additives is even higher in Germany. Only 30 percent of adults in this country do not swallow any supplement. In theory it sounds tempting: additional vitamins and minerals could keep people healthy, after all the pills, powders, bars and shakes are supposed to have an antioxidant effect and prevent inflammation – and thus reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and other ailments.