1. Some poskim hold that a totally healthy person who wishes to take medicine on Shabbat for any reason, such as if he feels it will prevent the onset of a particular illness, is permitted to do so (Shulchan Aruch 328:37). Others disagree and say that the same prohibition (due to concern for grinding) applies as well to someone who is healthy (Mishnah Berurah 328:43). The latter approach is the accepted approach according to many Ashkenazi poskim. Some Sephardic poskim hold that a healthy person is allowed to take medicine, in accordance with the Shulchan Aruch, who is lenient (Chazon Ovadia).

2. Based on the stricter approach, some contemporary poskim rule that one may not take vitamins on Shabbat (R. Avigdor Nebenzahl). Others hold that taking vitamins is usually preventative, or to maintain health, which is not included in the decree against medicine, even according to the strict approach concerning a healthy person taking medicine (Igrot Moshe, O.C. 3:54).

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.