Essential and Conditionally Essential Nutrients: Introduction 

More than 50% of Americans consume a vitamin, dietary, or mineral supplement daily, accounting for estimated annual sales in excess of $18 billion.1 Nutrition experts agree that foods are the preferred source of vitamins and minerals, and that most individuals can easily meet their requirements by eating a balanced diet. There is less agreement, however, about the extent to which the U.S. population consumes a balanced diet. Many