Watch Vitamania: The Sense and Nonsense of Vitamins

Vitamins form a critical part of human life. They are essential compounds that play a vital role in our bodies' functioning. As children, we are taught about the importance of taking vitamins. People take vitamins for various reasons, including supporting the immune system, improving mental health, and increasing physical strength. However, the world of vitamins can be confusing, with various myths and misinformation spreading around them. The documentary "Vitamania: The Sense and Nonsense of Vitamins" sheds light on this issue.

Released in 2018, "Vitamania" is a captivating documentary that explores the world of vitamins in a scientific and entertaining way. The movie is directed by Sonya Pemberton, with the award-winning science journalist Derek Muller acting as its host. Through a series of interviews with doctors, scientists, and experts in the field, Muller takes viewers on an informative journey that dispels myths while revealing some of the truths.

"Vitamania" starts by highlighting the history of vitamins. The movie traces the discovery of vitamins, which began as early as 1747, when naval surgeon James Lind discovered that consuming citrus fruits could prevent scurvy. Vitamin C was later discovered in 1932 by Sir Walter Norman Haworth, leading to the discovery of other essential vitamins, including A, B, D, E, and K. The documentary notes that early discoveries of vitamins led to several breakthroughs in the medical world, with many previously incurable diseases becoming treatable.

However, "Vitamania" does not shy away from the controversies surrounding vitamins. The film takes a closer look at some of the myths surrounding vitamins, including that taking vitamins is always beneficial or that megadoses of vitamin supplements can cure diseases. The documentary notes that while vitamins are essential, consuming excessive amounts of some vitamins can lead to toxicity, leading to adverse health effects.

One of the critical issues that "Vitamania" addresses is the widespread use of vitamin supplements. The movie notes that while supplements can be beneficial, healthy individuals should not take multivitamin supplements. Instead, the documentary emphasizes that supplements should only be taken when prescribed by a doctor. The movie asks viewers to ponder if a balanced diet is a better way to obtain vitamins and reflects on whether taking supplements is truly necessary.

The documentary emphasizes that different vitamins have different effects on the body. Muller takes viewers on a tour of the human body to illustrate how different vitamins are utilized. For instance, vitamin D is essential for bone growth and helps in the absorption of calcium. Vitamin A is essential for vision, while Vitamin E is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. Understanding the role of vitamins in our bodies is essential to make informed decisions about consuming them.

In addition, "Vitamania" touches upon the financial aspect of the vitamin industry. The documentary highlights how the vitamin industry is lucrative, with the market worth billions of dollars globally. The movie reflects on whether this has led to the spread of misinformation and exploitation of consumers. The documentary highlights the need for responsible marketing and encourages viewers to be critical of the supplements they consume and check the claims behind them.

"Vitamania: The Sense and Nonsense of Vitamins" concludes on a positive note. The movie emphasizes that while vitamins cannot replace a healthy lifestyle, they remain essential for maintaining overall health. The documentary encourages viewers to take a balanced approach to vitamin consumption and emphasizes that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is crucial for obtaining essential vitamins. The movie underscores the importance of science, critical thinking, and a responsible approach to vitamin consumption.

Overall, "Vitamania: The Sense and Nonsense of Vitamins" is a well-made documentary that educates and entertains. It is approachable, informative, and scientifically rigorous. The documentary dispels myths, tackles controversies, and emphasizes the importance of responsible vitamin consumption. Through expert interviews, stunning visuals, and witty humor, the movie offers a balanced perspective on a complex subject. Whether you are a vitamin enthusiast or just someone who wants to learn more, "Vitamania" is a must-watch documentary that will leave you informed and entertained.

Vitamania: The Sense and Nonsense of Vitamins is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.