ABSTRACT
This review deals with the role of micronutrients, i.e. vitamins and minerals, in alternative medicine. The following two conditions are important when considering vitamins and minerals as tools for alternative medicine: (1) The majority of Japanese consume less than the dietary requirement of vitamins and essential minerals. A national nutrition survey in 2001 showed that vitamins B <sub>1</sub>, B<sub>6</sub>, C, and E, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and copper could be included in this category. (2) Micronutrients have a specific pharmacological effect that is independent of their nutritional function. Vitamins A, D, E, K, B<sub>1</sub>, B<sub>12</sub>, and C, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, lithium and vanadium are included in this category. In addition, vitamin-like active substances may be used as an alternative medicine for their pharmacologic actions. The function and role of each micronutrient in alternative medicine is discussed.<br>