intimidate and confuse even the most health conscious individuals.

With store shelves jammed-packed with bottles emblazoned with cumbersome names, to the novice it would almost appear that there is a vitamin for every letter of the alphabet.

Although some, like vitamin C, are more well known than others, all vitamins play an important role in the normal functioning of the body.

And according to Jane Dier, owner of the health store Rock On, increasing numbers of locals are supplementing their diets with vitamins.

"More and more information about vitamins is in the media,'' she explained.

"And more and more companies are getting involved. It really is a growing business.'' And the fact that the vast percentage of the population (the baby boomers) are middle-aged, may have something to do with the vitamin boom.

"People start to think about vitamins usually when they hit their 40's,'' Mrs. Dier pointed out. "That's when people usually start noticing the articles about vitamins and healthy living.

"We do have young people who use them, but it is really those in their 40's, who have started thinking about their health. And our customers come from all walks of life.'' Toni Daniels of the health store, Down to Earth, agreed with Mrs. Dier that more locals were turning to vitamins in a bid to enhance their health.

"There is an increased interest,'' said Ms Daniels. "The most popular ones are the antioxidants, vitamins C, E and D.'' When fat and protein combine with oxygen, oxidants build up to form free radicals. Researchers believe that accumulated free radicals in arteries and tissue are associated with hardening of the arteries, memory loss and mental dysfunction.

Antioxidants, vitamin E, A and C as well as beta-carotene supplements and the mineral selenium, are believed to combat free radicals.

"Antioxidants have been the buzz word for the last few years,'' Mrs. Dier said. "It is believed that they prevent free radicals in the body.'' The Journal of the American Medical Association recommends that individuals eat a balanced diet consisting of lots of whole grains, fruit and vegetables, that way there would be no need for vitamin and mineral supplements.

"But a lot of the nutrients in food are gone by the time we eat them,'' Mrs.

Dier pointed out.

If you think your diet is not what it should be, consult your doctor about supplements before running to the store to pick up a bottle.

"Multi-vitamins are all pretty much safe,'' Ms Daniels pointed out, "but, it is always good to touch base with a doctor.

"People don't understand that some vitamins and mineral need other vitamins and minerals to be absorbed into the body; for instance vitamin D should be taken together with calcium.

"And some vitamins and minerals can build up in the body if you are taking too much,'' she warned. "You have to know what you are doing. I always recommend people touch base with their doctors.'' According to experts, under certain circumstances some vitamins also need to be consumed with caution.

Government nutritionist Mellonie Barnum said the amount of vitamins needed varies from person to person, depending on age and sex, but the amounts needed are very small.

Those who may require supplements include women of child-bearing age, strict vegetarians, the elderly, dieters, those recovering from surgery, smokers, heavy drinkers and drug users.

She also cautions that when taking mega-doses (ten-times the recommended daily allowance) for a nutrient, the amounts of nutrient are so high they may act as a drug instead.

"For example, you should not take more than 1,200 international units (IU's) of vitamin E if you are taking blood thinner,'' Ms Daniels concurs.

Children, pregnant women and anyone with a liver disease should not ingest a daily dose of over 10,000 international units of vitamin A.

According to Prescription for Nutritional Healing, anyone who has diabetes, glaucoma, gout, liver disease, peptic ulcers or women who are pregnant should use vitamin B-3 supplements with caution.

And the book recommends that pregnant women should not take large doses of synthetic vitamin K during the last few weeks of pregnancy.

For those who are new to the world of vitamins, Mrs. Dier recommends starting out with a simple multi vitamin.

"I like to suggest to people who have never taken supplements before to start with a multi vitamin because most of our diets are not what they should be,'' she explained. "And I do question customers about pre-existing medical conditions. If they are on any medication, I tell them to consult their doctor.

"I also stress that if they are taking medication and are trying to wean off of it, and use vitamins, minerals or herbs as a replacement, they do so under a doctor's care.'' Ms Daniels likewise urges clients to take their vitamins, especially multi vitamins, with meals.

If the thought of swallowing large tablets is not appealing, you can get the nutritional boost you need from liquid vitamins.

"Multi vitamins are easily assimilated when they are in a liquid or powder form,'' Ms Daniels said. "And if allergies are a factor, there are vitamins that are allergy free.'' Mrs. Dier added: "A lot of people do not like taking pills so they don't take vitamins, but that is no longer an excuse, since some do come in liquid form.'' And Mrs. Dier said that her customers, herself included, do notice the difference vitamins can make.

But she urged people to remember that vitamins are not wonder drugs, they should be a part of a healthy lifestyle.

"I encourage people to also think about their lifestyle -- exercise, sleep, diet, stopping smoking,'' she explained. "It really is a lifestyle thing.

"But people who do take them do notice a difference.'' Photos by David Skinner A spoon full of goodness: Vitamins come in a variety of forms, including easy-to-swallow liquids, and are available at health food stores and pharmacies. Nutritionists point out however that pills are only a supplement and not a substitute for a good diet and a healthy lifestyle.