The vitamins industry is booming in the recession. As columnist Daniel Gross writes, it's all because of the economy and demographics.

Gross writes: "As they kick habits that are either bad or expensive (or both), they're smoking less, buying less soda, and cutting back on calorie-laden treats at Starbucks and the convenience store. Vitamins and supplements are a key component of a healthier lifestyle. Second, as Americans lose health insurance and are confronted with the challenge of paying for prescriptions and medical treatment, many of them may be trading down to vitamins and supplements—using them as substitutes or alternatives. Both Wal-Mart and Walgreen's have reported that sales of vitamins are strong. VMS sales are also benefitting from one of the most powerful commercial forces in the history of planet Earth: the baby boomers. As they get older, the boomers—already a narcissistic bunch—are growing ever-more obsessed with their health and wellness. Just as they caused bubbles in marijuana in the 1960s and disco balls in the 1970s, baby boomers are now causing sales of vitamins to spike."

So it's hardly surprising that gymnasiums are reporting that trade is booming. It also fits in with studies, like the one reported here, that during a downturn, we exercise more and are less likely to be obese.

Of course, the problem with this is that the longer the recession continues, the more likely we are to be uncharted waters. And no one would be able to predict how that would affect our health, including mental health. It could go either way.