Physicians Urge Americans to Stop Wasting Money on Supplements

By Lisa Collier Cool Dec 16, 2013 Health Blogs Main

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More Articles Many people pop a multivitamin each day, believing they are boosting their health; however, new research suggests that routine dietary supplements may be unnecessary or even harmful. In a new editorial in Annals of Internal Medicine (AOIM), physicians urge Americans to stop wasting money on vitamin and mineral supplements. The editorialistsreferencing new research included in the same issue of the journalwarn that, [m]ost supplements do not prevent chronic disease or death, their use is not justified, and they should be avoided. This is especially true for people who lack symptoms of nutritional deficiencies, including most supplement users. In fact, in some cases, supplements may cause harm. We need vitamins and minerals to function, explains one of the editorialists, Dr. Eliseo Guallar. So many people think, the more you get, the better you should be. But we actually have a lot of accumulated evidence that vitamin supplements arent helping. They arent working in the general population to prevent chronic disease.

Supplements May Not Prevent Cancer, Could Cause Harm

In a new review article in AOIM, published early online, researchers at the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research in Portland, Oregon examined 26 studies of dietary supplements, including single, paired, or multivitamin combinations of nutrients.

The researchers found no consistent link between supplement use and decreased risk of cancer, heart disease, or all-cause mortality. Only two studies showed a potential link between multivitamin use and cancer prevention among men. However, the statistical significance of those links was limited and no benefits were found for women. The researchers also found no consistent pattern of harm with multivitamin use. But they did find several studies linking specific supplements to certain ailments. For example, beta-carotene supplements may boost the risk of lung cancer and death among high-risk populations, such as smokers. 10 Diet Changes to Extend Your Life

Multivitamins Dont Prevent Cognitive Decline in Men

Multivitamins typically contain several nutrients believed to promote cognitive health such as vitamins B, C, and E. However, downing a daily multivitamin may do little to keep your mind sharp, warn scientists from the Physicians Health Study II, also included in the new issue of AOIM.. The researchers assigned nearly 6,000 participants over the age of 64 to a daily multivitamin or placebo regimen. Over twelve years, they assessed changes in participants cognitive function and found no significant differences between multivitamin and placebo users. The researchers conclude that daily multivitamin use provides no benefit for preventing cognitive decline.

High-Dose Multivitamins Wont Stop Heart Problems

Daily multivitamins may also fall short of the mark for protecting patients with a history of heart attack. In another study published in AOIM, researchers assigned over 1,700 men and women to a high-dose multivitamin or placebo regimen. All of the participants had experienced a heart attack at least six weeks before the start of the study. After an average follow-up of 4.6 years, the researchers found no difference in the rate of recurrent cardiovascular events among participants who took supplements compared to those who did not. Multivitamins did not appear to be harmful; however, the supplements also did not seem to offer any protection against ongoing heart problems. Best Tips for a Healthier Heart

Supplements Do Provide Benefits in Certain Situations

For most people, eating a variety of healthy foods is all it takes to meet their nutritional needs. Plus, according to the Mayo Clinic, whole foods provide benefits that pills dont offer such as dietary fiber, protective phytochemicals, and micronutrients. However, research shows that some people do benefit from certain supplements. For example: Women who may become pregnant should take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to prevent spina bifida and other birth defects, advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those who take folic acid in early pregnancy may also lower the risk of delivering a child with autism, according to new research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Women who are pregnant may also benefit from iron supplementation to protect against anemia. Prenatal iron supplements may also reduce the risk of low birth rates, advises a recent review of over 90 studies. Vegetarians and vegans who avoid meat, eggs, and dairy should eat foods fortified with B 12 or take supplements, counsels the Harvard Health Letter. People over the age of 50 are also at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, which may impact balance, memory, and possibly mood.

Before you stock up on multivitamins or other supplements, exercise some extra caution: take the time to ask your doctor if they are right for you.