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An industry watcher said, "Vitamin demand has been steadily rising since the economy plunged into a downward spiral in the second half of last year. Consumers seem to turn to cheap and easy-to-get vitamins to take care of their health."

Vitamins are becoming increasingly popular, not only in Korea but also in the U.S. The New York Times reported that sales of vitamins and nutrition supplements are rising while high unemployment rates and spending cuts have sent the sales of most products, including food, clothes, and home appliances, to a downward trend. A market researcher said that the statewide sales of vitamins in the U.S. between October and December last year increased eight percent from a year earlier.

Vitamins are known to help boost physical strength and alleviate physical fatigue, neuralgia, and muscle and joint pain. However, experts warn that people may not notice serious diseases because of the temporary effects brought by vitamins.

(englishnews@chosun.com )