Walk into any drug store and you'll find an entire aisle dedicated to vitamin supplements. There are vitamins to help fight almost any ailment you can think of -- from helping to boost your immune system to promoting a healthy heart.
But the fine print on each label reads, "This product is not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease."
Two long-term studies from the National Institutes of Health agree, saying vitamin supplements don't help fight cancer or prevent strokes, heart disease or other ailments.
Many people say they take vitamins to feel better or have more energy.
"I know I don't eat as well as I should, so I get my vitamins from a pill," said Susie Moore, who takes a multi-vitamin every day.
Dr. David Winter of Baylor Medical Center said a person's body does not absorb vitamins from a pill the way it absorbs vitamins from food.
"We've know for a long time that vitamins ought to be good for folks, but they just don't show that in scientific studies," he said. "The best way to get vitamins is from fruits and vegetables, not from a pill."
Doctors also said taking vitamin supplements may even cause harm.
"When your body absorbs a pill ... it can turn around and absorb less vitamins, we're told," Winter said.
Despite the research, many Americans say they'll continue to take their daily supplement.
"It doesn't change my mind about it. I will still take them," James Bishop said.
Doctors say only a few select vitamins and minerals can be absorbed in pill form and are safe to take, such as vitamins D, B12 and calcium. Otherwise, doctors say, most people don't need a vitamin pill.
