Dr. Dilis Clare:

Absolutely. The science behind all of this is undisputed. For example, treating ulcers in elderly people is greatly enhanced by a multivitamin. I refer also to treating iron deficiency in children. Many people who have chronic illnesses cannot assimilate different forms of vitamins, for instance the difference between B12 as a supplement and methyl B12. One can treat gout with vitamin C. There is a reference in these documents to 13 meta-analyses, systematic reviews showing that vitamin C can treat gout. Because of all the side effects and gut devastation of analgesics, and liver problems, more and more doctors are using colchicine long term, which causes a deficiency in B12. Even using pharmaceuticals can cause vitamin deficiencies. My son has epilepsy. He has been treated with epilepsy medication. Not one doctor has told him about depletion in B vitamins and folic acid. There is a knowledge deficit.

Nothing is perfect on either side of a issue but to describe what people are seeking to do for their own health - I cannot understand the logic of putting no VAT or medicine but putting VAT on food supplements, which is people trying to help themselves. They might not always get it right but they are trying to help themselves. A local health food store is likely to give the most accurate advice that people have time to give. That is the reality.