Are vitamin supplements a waste of money? The report, published by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), said multivitamins are a waste of money and there is little evidence that they prevent chronic disease.
According to news in the Daily Mail, scientists said the supplements are unnecessary for healthy people because there is not enough evidence that they reduce the risk of heart disease or cancer.
Brits are noted to spend £430 million annually on vitamin or mineral tablets and take an estimated 20 million supplements per day, while in the US, more than half of the population takes supplements regularly and spends $1.5 billion annually.
Are vitamin supplements a waste of money?
There is no evidence that it reduces the risk of heart problems and cancer
Many who take the supplement believe they can reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer, based on the results of small studies. But a new meta-analysis of dozens of research papers revealed that there was no evidence to support the claims.
A special warning has also been issued about beta-carotene, a common immune booster, that has been found to actually harm people. However, the report noted that people with vitamin deficiencies may continue to benefit from taking supplements such as calcium and vitamin D, which have been shown to prevent fractures and falls in older adults.
Consumption of fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of disease
The researchers said that eating fruits and vegetables is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Therefore, instead of taking a multivitamin where essential vitamins and minerals are extracted and packaged in a pill, it is essential to eat vegetables and fruits directly, which are a combination of health-promoting vitamins, phytochemicals, fiber and other nutrients.
Are vitamin supplements a waste of money?
84 vitamin studies reviewed
Previous research suggests that some vitamins, such as vitamins C and E, may reduce the risk of heart disease. While vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene were thought to help reduce cancer risks, the scientists who published the new USPSTF report reviewed 84 studies on vitamin E, vitamin A, beta-carotene, and multivitamins. Accordingly, it showed that vitamin E supplementation, commonly found in nuts and seeds, which helps maintain healthy skin and eyes, had no effect on cardiovascular disease, cancer, or death.
Trials in people who smoked or were exposed to asbestos showed an 18 percent higher risk of lung cancer in those who used beta-carotene, compared to those who didn’t.
Beta-carotene is an orange-red pigment found in carrots and tomatoes and is believed to improve skin health.
Overall, the report concluded that the review found “insufficient evidence” regarding the use of any multivitamins to treat cancer or heart disease.
