Apparently those multivitamins, you know, those things you think make you healthy? Well, they're mostly worthless and might actually hurt.

"Half of American adults are taking MVMs and the bottom line is that we don't know for sure that they're benefiting from them," said J. Michael McGinnis, chair of the panel from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, who chaired the panel. "In fact, we're concerned that some people may be getting too much of certain nutrients"

The findings pertain to the generally healthy population and do not include pregnant women, children, or those with disease.
...
Despite the general pubic perception that MVMs are safe, the panel identified several possible risks. Too much of certain nutrients can have adverse effects, the scientists said. And the combined effects of eating fortified foods, taking MVMs, and consuming single vitamins or minerals in large doses can lead to overconsumption.

Not to mention all that fun iron poisoning that results when you make vitamins look like candy for your dumb children and they decide to eat the entire bulk bottle from Sam's Club. People have this funny prejudice that natural things, vitamins, minerals, whatever, are good for you no matter what. Well, all sorts of natural things can be really bad for you, and in excess are just poison. The human body isn't that stupid, it can take care of itself with pretty much any ordinary diet, no need to supplement it to death. I'm glad to see the NAS paying attention to the incredible amounts of money wasted on these placebos. Next let's see them take out school anti-drug programs, yet another waste of money that makes us feel good, but doesn't really do anything productive.