This interesting article appeared in the NYTimes which seems to contradict other studies on vitamins an exercise. We probably have a very simplistic view of the role of free redicals in the body. Obviously, free radicals and reactive oxygen species-despite their bad press-are, in fact essential to life-the question is, is too much of a good thing bad? This study seems to suggest there is a beneficial sweet spot of physiological oxidation/reduction below which, or beyond which, the body is harmed. 

The article:

 Who knew, orthomolecular has gone humanitarian.  I was ecstatic after reading an article from CBC news titled “Eat Your Vitamins: A very Canadian way to solve a world problem” to see that the true value of a vitamin has finally been captured.  This article demonstrates that one small vitamin pill can have global implications and enormous economical impact. 

I wanted to share this thought after I read Leslie Beck's  article "Multivitamins aid infant birth weight" (Globe & Mail, Wednesday, June 10, 2009) I strongly believe that vitamins should be a regular part of our daily routine, but the importance of this practice becomes emphasized for women who are planning to conceive or are pregnant.