misconception that many people have for taking supplements is that their decision to take supplements is to treat a specific problem, such as lack of energy, chronic colds or respiratory infections, etc. The purpose for taking supplements is to make sure that your body is getting the necessary nutrients so the body can take care of itself. In other words, your immune system needs to be functioning at the highest level possible, especially now that bacteria are becoming more resistant to antibiotics. Every time I hear the comment, “ I’ve been taking vitamins for the past month and I can’t tell a difference in my energy level,” I think to myself, “how unfortunate.” That person either missed the boat or hasn’t done the homework. Vitamins and minerals don’t give you energy directly because they are not carbohydrates, proteins or fats. Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients that are critical for the biochemical reactions that breakdown the carbohydrates into monosaccharides for fuel. Enzymes break down proteins into amino acids for building blocks to make new cells, hormones and tissues, and break down fats which provide more calories of energy per gram than carbohydrates or proteins. Minerals are like catalysts; they are required to make those reactions take place. In other words, they are like the spark plug in an automobile. An eight-cylinder engine can run on six cylinders, but the engine is not as efficient. Life is not about how long you live: it’s about the quality of life you have while you are alive!