New Study Casts Doubt on Supplement Claims

Statistics show that more than half of the U.S. adult population takes at least one vitamin or dietary supplement on a regular basis. This shouldn't come as a surprise given the huge health benefits touted by these products. There are supplements available to treat just about anything, including nausea, heartburn, insomnia, fatigue and depression. But a new study has doubt on the health claims made by supplement companies.

For the study, researchers analyzed medical data from men and women, paying close attention to their use of supplements and health markers. So, what did they find? Researchers found that people who took supplements -- vitamin D, calcium, vitamin C, etc. -- generally experienced no improvement in health than their counterparts who didn't take supplements.

However, two supplements did offer minor health benefits. Researchers found that people who took a folate or vitamin B supplement had a slightly lower risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Although the risk reduction was minor, it suggests that these two nutrients may be more beneficial than previously thought. Researchers stress, however, that the heart health benefits of folate and vitamin B are minor.

"We looked at whether vitamins are good for cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality," said one of the study's authors and researchers. "We asked whether micronutrients could shorten or lengthen your life. But we didn't look into vitamin C in attenuating colds – which it probably does."

The problem with supplements is that many don't contain the ingredients advertised on the label. Consumers may think they are getting a tumeric supplement when in reality they might be getting nothing more than sugar pills. To make problems worse, even if a supplement contains the ingredients advertised on the label, those nutrients may not be absorbed into the body.

If supplements offer little or no health benefits, then why do so many people take them on a daily basis? This is likely attributed to the placebo effect. People think the supplements are improving their health, so they continue taking them. The placebo effect is real, and it's been confirmed by countless other studies.

The bottom line is that you shouldn't rely on supplements to meet your body's nutritional needs. Rather, you should get nutrients from foods. Focusing your diet on fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean meat should provide you with the right amount and type of nutrients needed for good health.

This study was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.