Hello, Do you take vitamins and minerals each day? Are they necessary? Do we really need more. Most doctors say if we eat three sensible balanced all round meals each day, that is enough. We do not need to buy a heap of supplements. Then again, there are other opinions.

Most know Australian soil is deficient in many key minerals. If the stuff is not in the ground to start, then it cannot possibly be in the food it produces. The same applies to many countries world wide. Growers only put into the soil enough fertilisers to make products grow quickly and look nice. They don't care about nutrition.

Zinc probably heads the list. Many say food doesn't taste as good as it did when kids. Reasons is probably a zinc deficiency. Take some supplements and sense of smell and taste improve dramatically!

Not long ago the Journal of the American Medical Association printed a huge survey which said the average person had a vitamin mineral deficiency, and recommended supplements all a round. The following week the British Medical Journal disagreed.

I have been taking vitamin and mineral supplements virtually all my life. I have only been off work due to illness for two weeks in a professional lifetime. Mum took them too was rarely ill and lived to 100, dad to 87,

I rest my case. Over to you.

Remember, if you or your parents or rellies are looking for a lovely retirement accommodation, Vimiera Village, 217 Vimiera Road, Eastwood, maybe the place. Our new assisted living apartments offer all meals, laundry, domestic care, 24 hour call, and heaps of other good things. Monthly costs are more than covered by the age pension and govt rental allowance, with money to spare. Vimiera Village is operated by Medi Aid Centre Foundation, a non profit community organisation.

Phone David on 02 9868 7544. Good wishes until next month.

Your good friend, Dr James Wright