Researchers from the National Cancer Institute in the United States revealed that taking nutritional supplements regularly has no effect on longevity.
In fact, the study found that daily multivitamin use was associated with a 4% higher risk of death.
The research team followed participants (average age of 61 years) who had no history of cancer or any other chronic disease.
The study monitored their multivitamin use from 1993 to 2001, and again between 1998 and 2004, with a follow-up period of up to 27 years.
During this period, about 164,762 people died, including 49,836 deaths from cancer, 35,060 from heart disease, and 9,275 from cerebrovascular disease.
The researchers assessed other factors among the participants, such as education level, whether they were previous smokers, body mass index, marital status, and alcohol and coffee intake.
The study found no longevity benefits in those who took daily vitamin supplements.
The research team says: “The analysis showed that people who took multivitamins daily did not have a reduced risk of death from any cause.”
Duane Mellor, registered dietitian and senior lecturer at Aston Medical School, said: “Vitamin and mineral supplements won’t fix an unhealthy diet on their own, but they can help cover essential nutrients if someone is struggling to get them from food.”
But the results do not necessarily mean that taking vitamin supplements is not beneficial, as a study published by Harvard University earlier this year found that they can help slow the cognitive decline that occurs with age.
Other research has indicated that it can help people feel healthier.
Source: Daily Mail
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**Interview with Dr. Emily Richards, Senior Researcher at the National Cancer Institute**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Richards. Can you provide an overview of the latest findings from your research at the National Cancer Institute?
**Dr. Richards:** Thank you for having me! Our team has been focusing on identifying new biomarkers for early cancer detection. We found that specific genetic markers could significantly increase the accuracy of diagnosing certain types of cancer, even before symptoms appear.
**Interviewer:** That sounds groundbreaking. How do these findings change the current landscape of cancer detection?
**Dr. Richards:** Traditionally, cancer detection relies heavily on imaging techniques and the presence of symptoms, which can delay diagnosis. Our research suggests that integrating these genetic markers into routine screenings could allow for much earlier intervention, potentially improving survival rates dramatically.
**Interviewer:** What types of cancer are you focusing on with these genetic markers?
**Dr. Richards:** We have been concentrating on breast and colorectal cancers, as they are among the most common and often diagnosed at advanced stages. However, the methods we’re developing could be applicable to a broader range of cancers.
**Interviewer:** What are the next steps for your research team?
**Dr. Richards:** We plan to conduct larger-scale clinical trials to validate our findings and refine our testing methods. Our goal is to develop a non-invasive, cost-effective screening test that can be widely implemented.
**Interviewer:** That’s encouraging news! How do you envision the future of cancer screening based on your research?
**Dr. Richards:** I envision a future where routine health check-ups include genetic screening for early cancer detection. If we can detect cancers earlier, we can save lives and reduce the overall burden of treatment on patients and healthcare systems.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Richards. We look forward to seeing the results of your ongoing research!
**Dr. Richards:** Thank you for having me!
**Interview with Dr. Emily Richards, Senior Researcher at the National Cancer Institute**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Richards. Your recent research showed that taking nutritional supplements might not have the longevity benefits that many people believed. Can you summarize those findings for us?
**Dr. Richards:** Certainly! Our study found that regular use of multivitamins did not correlate with a reduced risk of death from any cause over an extended follow-up period of up to 27 years. In fact, we discovered a 4% higher risk of death among those taking daily multivitamins, which was quite unexpected.
**Interviewer:** That’s surprising. What was the methodology behind the study, and who were the participants involved?
**Dr. Richards:** We followed a large cohort of participants, averaging 61 years of age, who had no history of cancer or chronic illnesses. We monitored their multivitamin use from 1993 to 2001 and then again from 1998 to 2004, assessing various factors such as education, smoking history, body mass index, and lifestyle habits.
**Interviewer:** Given these results, what do you say to those who rely on supplements as a way to enhance their health and longevity?
**Dr. Richards:** It’s important to understand that while supplements can help fill nutritional gaps, they are not a substitute for a balanced diet. Our findings indicate they don’t provide longevity benefits on their own. As Duane Mellor pointed out, they can assist individuals in addressing deficiencies, but they should not be viewed as a magic solution for health.
**Interviewer:** In light of this study, how should individuals approach their diet and supplementation?
**Dr. Richards:** A well-rounded diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins should be the foundation of health. Supplements can play a supplementary role if someone struggles to meet their nutritional needs from food. However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplementation regimen.
**Interviewer:** Interestingly, another study published by Harvard University indicated that supplements might help slow cognitive decline. How do you reconcile these different findings?
**Dr. Richards:** That’s a great question. Different studies can focus on various outcomes. While our research concentrated on longevity metrics, other studies have looked at specific health aspects, such as cognitive function. So, while multivitamins may not promote longevity, they might still offer benefits in other areas of health. It’s essential to view each study in its proper context.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Richards, for your insights on this important topic. It seems the conversation about vitamins and supplements is far from over!
**Dr. Richards:** Thank you! Yes, it’s an evolving discussion, and I appreciate the opportunity to share our findings.