Are vitamins and supplements better from the health food store than from a pharmacy at wal mart?

Generally no: In general there is no difference between vitamins, however, you must know the different forms of the product you choose. For example, calcium can come as calcium citrate, or calcium carbonate. They are absorbed differently by the body. You need to compare apples for apples. Same names for same names - then there should be no difference.

Great question: Some constituents in wal-mart-type vitamins may be similar to those in other brands, but you really need to research specific products rather than thinking "health food store" automatically guarantees superior products. Example: some vitamins have synthetic vitamin e in them, and lack the tocopherols & trienols in natural products. See http://www.Consumerlab.Com/ -- $33/year for reliable info.

Avoid them all: Numerous recent studies have questioned the value of multivitamins and some have shown no benefit to potential harm. Don't take them if you don't have a deficiency. Better to get your vitamins and minerals from food and sun.