When asked which vitamin or mineral is essential for calcium absorption in the body (vitamin D), more than a third of those surveyed said they were not sure. Surprisingly, when asked to identify vitamins and minerals that are not essential, only 44% correctly recognized that arsenic -- a poison -- is not an essential nutrient.
"When it comes to ensuring people get the vitamins and minerals they need in their daily diet, we were concerned by their lack of knowledge -- especially among women, who are more likely to take an active role in promoting their family's health," says Elizabeth Battaglino Cahill, executive vice president of NWHRC. "We want people to have the knowledge and resources to understand what their bodies should have and to help them choose a multivitamin that fits their needs if they are not getting the right nutrients from their diet."