Multivitamins and supplements don’t provide health benefits: study

There are little to no health benefits from supplemental vitamins and minerals, according to a new study by researchers in Toronto, Canada.

Taking supplements like multivitamins, Vitamin D, calcium and Vitamin C, were not shown to help prevent cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke or premature death, according to the study published Tuesday Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Toronto and St. Michaels Hospital who reviewed past studies, clinical trials and data regarding multivitamins and supplements from January 2012 to October 2017.

Vitamin deficiency is known to cause a host of health problems and the authors highlight the discovery of Vitamin C deficiency in sailors, and adding citrus fruits to their diets, as a successful intervention to prevent scurvy.

Over half of the U.S. population takes vitamin supplements, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the authors wrote. At least 31 percent of the population take multivitamins, 19 percent take Vitamin D, 14 percent are Calcium and 12 percent take Vitamin C.

Yet more people would benefit by changing their diet to account for these nutrients than by taking supplements, the authors wrote.

“The current data on supplement use reinforce advice to focus on healthy dietary patterns, with an increased proportion of plant foods in which many of these required vitamins and minerals can be found.”