The article, "Vitamania: Quest for the magic pill" (by Jane Brody
of the New York Times, Oct.26), is typical of a direct or
behind-the-scenes product of the pharmaceutical lobby. It is full
of half-truths, misinformation and disinformation.

There are very good reasons why people are buying these products,
from simple vitamins to such things as glucosamine sulfate. They
work, they are cheap compared to patented pharmaceuticals and
they don't require a visit to a physician. Who can afford to go
to the doctor these days?

But these nutraceuticals are effective. That is the real reason
they get attacked. The aggressive campaigns are waged against
nutraceuticals that take away the profits from companies that
make billions on pain medication, sleeping pills and chronic
problems like depression and arthritis. Their medications are
often addictive and have dangerous side effects.

The companies want effective, safe alternatives removed from the
market permanently. Yes, there have been a few items sold that
proved harmful. However, laws already on the books are more than
adequate to deal with them. The choice is: Do we allow special
interests to pick our pockets by pre-venting us from buying
effective, safer alternatives to their expensive
phar-maceuticals? Do we allow them to stop us from taking simple
vitamins that will prevent many of the "illnesses" their
expensive drugs treat? If they could they would. And all in the
name of making a profit.

Brian Hanley
San Rafael