More than half of American adults take supplements such as multivitamins — spending more than $35 billion on them in 2021, according to a report from supplement maker Vitality Pro.
But is the game worth the candle? Doctors at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago say most people would be better off spending their time and money on healthy eating and exercise.
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) review of 84 studies in June 2022 found insufficient evidence for or once morest the reduction in risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer by multivitamins and other dietary supplements, which cause regarding half of annual deaths in the United States.
Taking vitamin E has shown no cardiovascular or cancer benefits, while one type of supplement, beta-carotene, has been shown to increase the risk of lung cancer in people who smoke or are exposed to asbestos at work.
In response to the USPSTF report, Dr. Jeffrey Linder of the Feinberg School of Medicine says people are “wasting money and attention thinking there must be a set of magic pills that will keep them healthy”. He believes people should stick to healthy eating and exercise instead.
In their article published in the JAMA, Linder and two Feinberg colleagues also explain that whole fruits and vegetables contain vitamins, chemicals, fiber and other nutrients that likely work together to improve health. Supplements may contain the same vitamins, but without the other elements, they may have a different effect on the body.
However, for people with certain vitamin deficiencies, taking supplements may be helpful, they wrote. They also note that folic acid and iron are recommended for pregnant women and those planning to start a family.
The USPSTF also recommended vitamin D and calcium supplements to reduce the risk of fractures.
However, the USPSTF report clarifies that its general advice on supplements is not directed to pregnant and potential mothers, children, hospitalized individuals, or people with chronic conditions.
