vitamins and minerals from food or from supplements?

Vitamins and minerals from natural source are always advisable as there is no chances of excesses from natural source.For example ,iron supplements should not be taken for more than 3 months at a stretch (untill and unless specially advised by the doctor)whereas iron rich foods you can take for life long.Vitamin -B and Vitamin-C are water soluble so if one takes these in excess through supplements body can get rid of it through urine.But it is very difficult for body to remove excess of fat soluble vitamins,this sometimes causes hypervitaminosis which may sometime even proves fatal.Hence it is always advisable to opt for natural foods rich in vitamin and minerals than chemical supplements.

@Vanessa
Some people think that if something is good for you, then the more you take in, the healthier you'll be. But that's not necessarily true when it comes to vitamins and minerals. For example, fat-soluble vitamins or minerals, which the body stores and excretes more slowly, can build up in your system to levels where they could cause problems. So, check with your doctor before taking vitamin or mineral supplements. The best way of getting vitamins & minerals you need is to eat a wide variety of healthy foods including whole-grain products, fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, nuts, seeds, eggs, and meats and skip the vitamin pills. You'll feel better overall and won't run the risk of overdoing your vitamin and mineral intake.

thanks Mishra and Samuel :) great ideas!