Medically reviewed by Lindsay Slowiczek, Pharm. There are some supplements that are widely acknowledged by experts to be of benefit across the population.

And a review of trials of several different types of antioxidant supplements put it this way: "Treatment with beta carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E may increase mortality. Many people believe that taking multivitamins can help prevent heart disease , but the evidence is mixed. Find out how much salt is good for you. Additionally, several large studies have linked folic acid supplementation before and during pregnancy with decreased rates of neural-tube defects , serious and life-threatening birth defects of the baby's brain, spine, or spinal cord. Some studies suggest no effect on cancer risk, while others link multivitamin use to increased cancer risk 6 , 8 , 12 , Do multivitamins have any other health benefits? These are external links and will open in a new window. That was basically abolished by the practice of giving children a vitamin supplement.

The government this week said it would consult on adding folic acid to flour, following repeated calls for the move from experts. Multivitamins may offer many of these vitamins and minerals — but in varying forms and amounts. Probiotics: Skip them - the science isn't advanced enough yet for them to have a significant benefit, and you can eat yogurt instead. The authors of the paper entitled " Enough Is Enough: Stop Wasting Money on Vitamin and Mineral Supplements ," wrote at the time that "despite sobering evidence of no benefit or possible harm," the use of multivitamin supplements rose among U. For decades, it was assumed that multivitamins were critical to overall health. Decades of research has failed to find any substantial evidence that vitamins and supplements do any significant good. The US president vows to hit the campaign trail, though he is still receiving medical care. In some cases, they may even cause harm. There is also a potential danger in indiscriminately taking many supplements at the same time, says Dr Carter. In the UK, supplements are subject to EU regulations over their safety and the health claims manufacturers make about the products.

Research reveals links not only between poor mood and nutrient deficiencies but also between multivitamins and better mood or reduced depression symptoms 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , However, during the autumn and winter, you need to get vitamin D from your diet because the sun is not strong enough for your body to make vitamin D. And a study linked high doses of Vitamin E with an overall higher risk of death. Unlike Vitamin C, which studies have found likely does nothing to prevent or treat the common cold, zinc may actually be worth it. One review examined 5 randomized, controlled trials in 47, people. The US president vows to hit the campaign trail, though he is still receiving medical care. What are some of the dangers of supplements and what are the health benefits? Minerals may also be harmful in high doses. Vitamin D toxicity is extremely rare and unlikely to develop from multivitamin use.

The mineral seems to interfere with the replication of rhinoviruses , the bugs that cause the common cold. The US president vows to hit the campaign trail, though he is still receiving medical care. Keep in mind that the nutrients in multivitamins may be derived from real foods or created synthetically in laboratories. The study's lead author, Dr. This article tells you whether they are good or bad for your health. The bottom line. Several recent study reviews have found that people who took Vitamin D supplements daily lived longer, on average, than those who didn't. Folic acid supplements need to be taken before you get pregnant, so start taking them before you stop using contraception or if there's a chance you might get pregnant. Medically reviewed by Lindsay Slowiczek, Pharm. What are some of the dangers of supplements and what are the health benefits?

The Department of Health and Social Care recommends certain supplements for some groups of people who are at risk of deficiency. Gummy vitamins are increasingly popular. Multivitamins may offer many of these vitamins and minerals — but in varying forms and amounts. The study's lead author, Dr. How this works. But recent studies have called for an end to the over-prescription of the nutrient. Not only do you already get these ingredients from the food you eat, but studies suggest that consuming them in excess can actually cause harm. What they are Ingredients Heart disease Cancer Other benefits Downsides Recommendation Bottom line If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. Politics Home Parliaments Brexit.

Retinol is an over-the-counter formulation of vitamin A that is applied topically to the skin to reduce the effects of aging and acne. They also looked into the effects of beta-carotene, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium and selenium. Image copyright Getty Images The story of a man who ended up needing a liver transplant after taking green tea capsules has brought the topic of dietary supplements back into the news. That was basically abolished by the practice of giving children a vitamin supplement. However, during the autumn and winter, you need to get vitamin D from your diet because the sun is not strong enough for your body to make vitamin D. Unlike Vitamin C, which studies have found likely does nothing to prevent or treat the common cold, zinc may actually be worth it. This article examines the scientific evidence behind multivitamins. Some individuals, including older adults, vegetarians and vegans, and pregnant or breastfeeding women, may need higher amounts of certain vitamins or minerals.

Dr Carter said his own advice would be for people to look at what kind of scientific evidence there was in support of a particular supplement before taking it and check whether there are any warnings. Multivitamins were defined as products that contained a number of these substances. Multivitamins have been studied for several other purposes, including brain function and eye health. But recent studies have called for an end to the over-prescription of the nutrient. Two observational studies, one including women and the other including men, tied long-term multivitamin use to a reduced risk of colon cancer 15 , Supplementing with large doses of certain nutrients can have harmful effects. However, other studies reveal no changes in mood There are some supplements that are widely acknowledged by experts to be of benefit across the population.

The antioxidant Vitamin E was popularized for its alleged ability to protect against cancer. One study found that taking antioxidant vitamins and minerals may slow its progression. In fact, recent studies skew in the opposite direction, having found that certain vitamins may be bad for you. Because it's difficult for people to get enough vitamin D from food alone, everyone including pregnant and breastfeeding women should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D during the autumn and winter. Image copyright Getty Images The story of a man who ended up needing a liver transplant after taking green tea capsules has brought the topic of dietary supplements back into the news. These supplements may also improve mood. Vitamin D: Take it - it helps keep your bones strong and it's hard to get from food. It found no reductions in heart attacks, strokes, or mortality The benefits of fish oil pills, a supplement linked to a wide range of purported benefits, from improved heart health to boosted brain power, are also not conclusive.

Still, it had no effect on the risk of death during the study period However, other studies reveal no changes in mood If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. Home Common health questions Food and diet Back to Food and diet. However recent guidelines suggest we all may wish to consider vitamin D supplementation, particularly during winter months," she said, alluding to the fact that the vitamin is absorbed into the body from sunlight. Folic acid and B-vitamins were associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. The US president vows to hit the campaign trail, though he is still receiving medical care. Find out how much salt is good for you. Jenkins said. Overall, the evidence is mixed.

The research mirrors a study that also suggested supplements have no long-term health benefits for health adults, but could be potentially harmful. Several have been linked with an increase in certain cancers , for example, while others have been tied to a rise in the risk of kidney stones. Many people believe that taking multivitamins can help prevent heart disease , but the evidence is mixed. Multivitamins and heart disease. A recent review of scientific trials found the evidence that fish oil pills protect the heart was flimsy at best. Multivitamins have been studied for several other purposes, including brain function and eye health. They may also contain other ingredients like herbs , amino acids, and fatty acids. In fact, recent studies skew in the opposite direction, having found that certain vitamins may be bad for you. Multivitamins may offer many of these vitamins and minerals — but in varying forms and amounts. The same may not apply to synthetic nutrients from supplements.

So far, the effects of probiotics have been all over the map. So rather than shelling out for a pill that promises to be a cure-all, snack on a parfait. A recent review of scientific trials found the evidence that fish oil pills protect the heart was flimsy at best. Sometimes they help, sometimes they don't. Keep in mind that the nutrients in multivitamins may be derived from real foods or created synthetically in laboratories. While in many cases excess levels of a supplement will be excreted, there is the potential for it to be toxic, particularly to the liver, which detoxifies the substances we consume. Dr Carter said his own advice would be for people to look at what kind of scientific evidence there was in support of a particular supplement before taking it and check whether there are any warnings. Vitamin C: Skip it - it probably won't help you get over your cold, and you can eat citrus fruits instead.

Multivitamins are available in pharmacies, large discount stores, and supermarkets, as well as online. In the UK, supplements are subject to EU regulations over their safety and the health claims manufacturers make about the products. So far, the effects of probiotics have been all over the map. Keep in mind that the nutrients in multivitamins may be derived from real foods or created synthetically in laboratories. In a review of studies of people who'd recently gotten sick, researchers looked at those who'd started taking zinc and compared them with those who just took a placebo. But a large study of close to 36, men found that the risk of prostate cancer actually increased among the men taking Vitamin E compared to the men taking a placebo. The benefits of fish oil pills, a supplement linked to a wide range of purported benefits, from improved heart health to boosted brain power, are also not conclusive. One study found that taking antioxidant vitamins and minerals may slow its progression. Supplements containing vitamins A, C and D Children aged 6 months to 5 years should take vitamin supplements containing vitamins A, C and D every day. But niacin and antioxidants were linked to a very small risk of all-cause mortality: the term used to describe all of the deaths that occur in a group of people, regardless of the cause.

And a study linked high doses of Vitamin E with an overall higher risk of death. Keep in mind that the nutrients in multivitamins may be derived from real foods or created synthetically in laboratories. One study found that taking antioxidant vitamins and minerals may slow its progression. Research reveals links not only between poor mood and nutrient deficiencies but also between multivitamins and better mood or reduced depression symptoms 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , Jenkins said. The NHS recommends that women who are thinking of having a baby should have a folic acid supplement , as should any pregnant woman up to week 12 of her pregnancy, to prevent common birth defects in babies. This article tells you whether they are good or bad for your health. In fact, recent studies skew in the opposite direction, having found that certain vitamins may be bad for you.

Vitamins A, C, and E are antioxidants found in plentiful form in many fruits - especially berries - and veggies, and they've been touted for their alleged ability to protect against cancer. In the UK, supplements are subject to EU regulations over their safety and the health claims manufacturers make about the products. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Study after study has shown that Vitamin C does little to nothing to prevent the common cold. The benefits of fish oil pills, a supplement linked to a wide range of purported benefits, from improved heart health to boosted brain power, are also not conclusive. Multivitamins may offer many of these vitamins and minerals — but in varying forms and amounts. The mineral seems to interfere with the replication of rhinoviruses , the bugs that cause the common cold. Some of us may be less able to metabolise certain substances effectively, which can also influence how they affect us. For example, you may be prescribed iron supplements to treat iron deficiency anaemia.

Fizzy effervescent tablets: salt advice Effervescent vitamin supplements or effervescent painkillers can contain up to 1g of salt per tablet. What do multivitamins contain? The research mirrors a study that also suggested supplements have no long-term health benefits for health adults, but could be potentially harmful. Top Stories 'Don't be afraid,' Trump says on leaving hospital The US president vows to hit the campaign trail, though he is still receiving medical care. This article examines the scientific evidence behind multivitamins. The bottom line. One study found that taking antioxidant vitamins and minerals may slow its progression. Fat-soluble vitamins include A, D, E, and K. However recent guidelines suggest we all may wish to consider vitamin D supplementation, particularly during winter months," she said, alluding to the fact that the vitamin is absorbed into the body from sunlight.

Study after study has shown that Vitamin C does little to nothing to prevent the common cold. Several studies have found that multivitamins can improve memory in older adults 18 , 19 , Retinol is an over-the-counter formulation of vitamin A that is applied topically to the skin to reduce the effects of aging and acne. Multivitamins may offer many of these vitamins and minerals — but in varying forms and amounts. Read this next. So far, the effects of probiotics have been all over the map. The government this week said it would consult on adding folic acid to flour, following repeated calls for the move from experts. Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of blindness worldwide When Jim McCants started taking green tea pills he had hoped he was giving his health a shot in the arm. Some individuals, including older adults, vegetarians and vegans, and pregnant or breastfeeding women, may need higher amounts of certain vitamins or minerals.

Multivitamins may improve memory and mood. The research mirrors a study that also suggested supplements have no long-term health benefits for health adults, but could be potentially harmful. Find out how much salt is good for you. Vitamins A, C, and E are antioxidants found in plentiful form in many fruits - especially berries - and veggies, and they've been touted for their alleged ability to protect against cancer. The government this week said it would consult on adding folic acid to flour, following repeated calls for the move from experts. So far, the effects of probiotics have been all over the map. Vitamin D: Take it - it helps keep your bones strong and it's hard to get from food. Some studies link multivitamin use to a reduced risk of cancer, while others find no benefit — and some even assert an increased risk. Probiotics: Skip them - the science isn't advanced enough yet for them to have a significant benefit, and you can eat yogurt instead. Several observational studies indicate that people who take multivitamins have a lower risk of heart disease.

Many people believe that taking multivitamins can help prevent heart disease , but the evidence is mixed. Some studies suggest that multivitamins are correlated to a reduced risk of heart attacks and death, while others show no effects 6 , 7 , 8 , 9. Dr Jacobs said supplements are also important for people with either restricted diets or allergies. Multivitamins and heart disease. She added: "What has become clear is that with supplements the benefits aren't always going to be obvious in all people, because it's going to depend on that individual's own make-up as to whether they will receive benefit from having an extra nutrient of some kind. Effervescent vitamin supplements or effervescent painkillers can contain up to 1g of salt per tablet. Multivitamins may contain herbs, amino acids, and fatty acids in addition to vitamins and minerals — though the amount and number of nutrients can vary. The antioxidant Vitamin E was popularized for its alleged ability to protect against cancer. Do multivitamins have any other health benefits? Multivitamins and cancer.

What do multivitamins contain? The mineral seems to interfere with the replication of rhinoviruses , the bugs that cause the common cold. However, during the autumn and winter, you need to get vitamin D from your diet because the sun is not strong enough for your body to make vitamin D. Several have been linked with an increase in certain cancers , for example, while others have been tied to a rise in the risk of kidney stones. For example, you may be prescribed iron supplements to treat iron deficiency anaemia. Vitamins and other nutrients from whole foods have many health benefits. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. While in many cases excess levels of a supplement will be excreted, there is the potential for it to be toxic, particularly to the liver, which detoxifies the substances we consume. One study found that taking antioxidant vitamins and minerals may slow its progression.

Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. But a large study of close to 36, men found that the risk of prostate cancer actually increased among the men taking Vitamin E compared to the men taking a placebo. Or not. Consider changing to a non-effervescent tablet, particularly if you have been advised to reduce your salt intake. Decades of research has failed to find any substantial evidence that vitamins and supplements do any significant good. Dr Carter said his own advice would be for people to look at what kind of scientific evidence there was in support of a particular supplement before taking it and check whether there are any warnings. Some groups of the population are at greater risk of not getting enough vitamin D and are advised to take a supplement every day of the year. Children aged 6 months to 5 years should take vitamin supplements containing vitamins A, C and D every day. Popping vitamins and mineral supplements might feel virtuous, but it actually carries surprisingly few health benefits and could even do harm, according to researchers. Because dietary supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration FDA , multivitamins may contain higher or lower levels of some nutrients than the label states 4.

But recent studies have called for an end to the over-prescription of the nutrient. Aisling Pigott, a qualified dietitian and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association who was not involved in the study, told Newsweek the research was "powerful" and "further supports our current understanding that there is no 'pill' we can take in lieu of a good diet. Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide 5. One study found that taking antioxidant vitamins and minerals may slow its progression. Vitamin D toxicity is extremely rare and unlikely to develop from multivitamin use. Fizzy effervescent tablets: salt advice Effervescent vitamin supplements or effervescent painkillers can contain up to 1g of salt per tablet. But niacin and antioxidants were linked to a very small risk of all-cause mortality: the term used to describe all of the deaths that occur in a group of people, regardless of the cause. Multivitamins are supplements that contain many different vitamins and minerals.

Multivitamins are supplements that contain many different vitamins and minerals, sometimes alongside other ingredients 3. But studies suggest that when taken in excess, antioxidants can actually be harmful. Here are the 15 best…. Multivitamins and cancer. Additionally, several large studies have linked folic acid supplementation before and during pregnancy with decreased rates of neural-tube defects , serious and life-threatening birth defects of the baby's brain, spine, or spinal cord. And a large new study out Wednesday suggests that despite this growing knowledge, Americans' pill-popping habits have stayed basically the same over the last decade. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. The benefits of fish oil pills, a supplement linked to a wide range of purported benefits, from improved heart health to boosted brain power, are also not conclusive. Two observational studies, one including women and the other including men, tied long-term multivitamin use to a reduced risk of colon cancer 15 ,

These supplements may also improve mood. These are external links and will open in a new window. Some studies link multivitamin use to a reduced risk of cancer, while others find no benefit — and some even assert an increased risk. While vitamins E and K are relatively nontoxic, vitamins A and D can have toxic effects if overconsumed. However recent guidelines suggest we all may wish to consider vitamin D supplementation, particularly during winter months," she said, alluding to the fact that the vitamin is absorbed into the body from sunlight. Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide 5. The antioxidant Vitamin E was popularized for its alleged ability to protect against cancer. Study after study has shown that Vitamin C does little to nothing to prevent the common cold. Multivitamins: Skip them - you can get everything you need with a balanced diet.

Vitamin C to "boost your immune system", Vitamin A to protect your vision, Vitamin B to keep you energized. The NHS recommends that women who are thinking of having a baby should have a folic acid supplement , as should any pregnant woman up to week 12 of her pregnancy, to prevent common birth defects in babies. The US president vows to hit the campaign trail, though he is still receiving medical care. Overall, the evidence is mixed. But studies suggest that when taken in excess, antioxidants can actually be harmful. Aisling Pigott, a qualified dietitian and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association who was not involved in the study, told Newsweek the research was "powerful" and "further supports our current understanding that there is no 'pill' we can take in lieu of a good diet. Why you can trust BBC News. However, other studies reveal no changes in mood These are external links and will open in a new window.

The authors of the paper entitled " Enough Is Enough: Stop Wasting Money on Vitamin and Mineral Supplements ," wrote at the time that "despite sobering evidence of no benefit or possible harm," the use of multivitamin supplements rose among U. Another risk is faulty production, which may cause multivitamins to harbor much larger amounts of nutrients than intended Several observational studies indicate that people who take multivitamins have a lower risk of heart disease. Multivitamins may improve memory and mood. Retinol is an over-the-counter formulation of vitamin A that is applied topically to the skin to reduce the effects of aging and acne. Folic acid supplements need to be taken before you get pregnant, so start taking them before you stop using contraception or if there's a chance you might get pregnant. Vitamins A, C, and E are antioxidants found in plentiful form in many fruits - especially berries - and veggies, and they've been touted for their alleged ability to protect against cancer. They may also contain other ingredients like herbs , amino acids, and fatty acids. Find out how much salt is good for you.

Vitamin D toxicity is extremely rare and unlikely to develop from multivitamin use. She added: "What has become clear is that with supplements the benefits aren't always going to be obvious in all people, because it's going to depend on that individual's own make-up as to whether they will receive benefit from having an extra nutrient of some kind. Multivitamins may offer many of these vitamins and minerals — but in varying forms and amounts. If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. In the UK, supplements are subject to EU regulations over their safety and the health claims manufacturers make about the products. Smokers should avoid multivitamins with large amounts of beta carotene or vitamin A, as these nutrients may increase your risk of lung cancer Getting sunlight helps our bodies produce it as well, but it can be tough to get enough in the winter. For example, the NHS says vegans might need a vitamin B12 supplement, because it is only found naturally in foods from animal sources.

A large study of close to 39, older women over 25 years found that women who took them in the long term actually had a higher overall risk of death than those who did not. Men and women have different nutritional needs, so gender should play a role when selecting a multivitamin supplement. The NHS recommends that women who are thinking of having a baby should have a folic acid supplement , as should any pregnant woman up to week 12 of her pregnancy, to prevent common birth defects in babies. Although high doses of some vitamins and minerals are fine, high amounts of others can be seriously harmful. Some groups of the population are at greater risk of not getting enough vitamin D and are advised to take a supplement every day of the year. The bottom line. Vitamin E: Skip it - an excess has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, and you can eat spinach instead. While vitamins E and K are relatively nontoxic, vitamins A and D can have toxic effects if overconsumed. One study found that taking antioxidant vitamins and minerals may slow its progression. This article tells you whether they are good or bad for your health.

This article tells you whether they are good or bad for your health. Popping vitamins and mineral supplements might feel virtuous, but it actually carries surprisingly few health benefits and could even do harm, according to researchers. Do I need vitamin supplements? A large study of close to 39, older women over 25 years found that women who took them in the long term actually had a higher overall risk of death than those who did not. Several observational studies indicate that people who take multivitamins have a lower risk of heart disease. Dr Carter said his own advice would be for people to look at what kind of scientific evidence there was in support of a particular supplement before taking it and check whether there are any warnings. Back to Food and diet. However, you may wonder if these supposed benefits are true. Multivitamins may be harmful in some cases.

But recent studies have called for an end to the over-prescription of the nutrient. Why you can trust BBC News. However, no evidence suggests that these compounds prevent the disease in the first place 29 , Several have been linked with an increase in certain cancers , for example, while others have been tied to a rise in the risk of kidney stones. Many of them aid enzyme reactions in your body or function as signaling molecules or structural elements. Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide 5. Here are 8 healthy foods that contain higher amounts of certain nutrients than multivitamins. Because it's difficult for people to get enough vitamin D from food alone, everyone including pregnant and breastfeeding women should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D during the autumn and winter. Minerals may also be harmful in high doses. Vitamin C to "boost your immune system", Vitamin A to protect your vision, Vitamin B to keep you energized.

Although high doses of some vitamins and minerals are fine, high amounts of others can be seriously harmful. Overall, the evidence is mixed. Some studies suggest that multivitamins are correlated to a reduced risk of heart attacks and death, while others show no effects 6 , 7 , 8 , 9. Many people choose to take supplements but taking too much or taking them for too long could be harmful. However recent guidelines suggest we all may wish to consider vitamin D supplementation, particularly during winter months," she said, alluding to the fact that the vitamin is absorbed into the body from sunlight. However, during the autumn and winter, you need to get vitamin D from your diet because the sun is not strong enough for your body to make vitamin D. They may also contain other ingredients like herbs , amino acids, and fatty acids. Or not.

Probiotics: Skip them - the science isn't advanced enough yet for them to have a significant benefit, and you can eat yogurt instead. But a large study of close to 36, men found that the risk of prostate cancer actually increased among the men taking Vitamin E compared to the men taking a placebo. Whole foods are the best sources of nutrients. It seems like simple, obvious advice: eat your vegetables, get some exercise, and - of course - take your vitamins. The ones on the zinc had shorter colds and less severe symptoms. What are some of the dangers of supplements and what are the health benefits? Why you can trust BBC News. It doesn't hurt to take a daily vitamin, but do you actually know what goes into it — and does it have vitamin D? Their popularity has increased rapidly in the past few decades 1 , 2. And a large new study out Wednesday suggests that despite this growing knowledge, Americans' pill-popping habits have stayed basically the same over the last decade.

The mineral seems to interfere with the replication of rhinoviruses , the bugs that cause the common cold. However, you may wonder if these supposed benefits are true. Although high doses of some vitamins and minerals are fine, high amounts of others can be seriously harmful. These supplements may also improve mood. The authors of the paper entitled " Enough Is Enough: Stop Wasting Money on Vitamin and Mineral Supplements ," wrote at the time that "despite sobering evidence of no benefit or possible harm," the use of multivitamin supplements rose among U. This article examines the scientific evidence behind multivitamins. Unlike Vitamin C, which studies have found likely does nothing to prevent or treat the common cold, zinc may actually be worth it. Page last reviewed: 22 November Next review due: 22 November You can get Healthy Start vitamins for free if you qualify for Healthy Start.

Because it's difficult for people to get enough vitamin D from food alone, everyone including pregnant and breastfeeding women should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D during the autumn and winter. Do multivitamins have any other health benefits? Additionally, several large studies have linked folic acid supplementation before and during pregnancy with decreased rates of neural-tube defects , serious and life-threatening birth defects of the baby's brain, spine, or spinal cord. The antioxidant Vitamin E was popularized for its alleged ability to protect against cancer. Many people believe that taking multivitamins can help prevent heart disease , but the evidence is mixed. Page last reviewed: 22 November Next review due: 22 November Here are 8 healthy foods that contain higher amounts of certain nutrients than multivitamins. While vitamins E and K are relatively nontoxic, vitamins A and D can have toxic effects if overconsumed. Some people believe that multivitamins can improve health, compensate for poor eating habits, and even reduce your risk of chronic diseases.

Medically reviewed by Lindsay Slowiczek, Pharm. The antioxidant Vitamin E was popularized for its alleged ability to protect against cancer. She added: "What has become clear is that with supplements the benefits aren't always going to be obvious in all people, because it's going to depend on that individual's own make-up as to whether they will receive benefit from having an extra nutrient of some kind. Study after study has shown that Vitamin C does little to nothing to prevent the common cold. However, you may wonder if these supposed benefits are true. There is also a potential danger in indiscriminately taking many supplements at the same time, says Dr Carter. Multivitamins are available in pharmacies, large discount stores, and supermarkets, as well as online. Several recent study reviews have found that people who took Vitamin D supplements daily lived longer, on average, than those who didn't.

Still, it had no effect on the risk of death during the study period The Vitamin C hype - which started with a suggestion from chemist Linus Pauling made in the s and has peaked with Airborne and Emergen-C - is just that: hype. That was basically abolished by the practice of giving children a vitamin supplement. Supplements containing vitamins A, C and D Children aged 6 months to 5 years should take vitamin supplements containing vitamins A, C and D every day. While in many cases excess levels of a supplement will be excreted, there is the potential for it to be toxic, particularly to the liver, which detoxifies the substances we consume. Multivitamins may offer many of these vitamins and minerals — but in varying forms and amounts. Because it's difficult for people to get enough vitamin D from food alone, everyone including pregnant and breastfeeding women should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D during the autumn and winter. Politics Home Parliaments Brexit. Research reveals links not only between poor mood and nutrient deficiencies but also between multivitamins and better mood or reduced depression symptoms 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , Several studies have found that multivitamins can improve memory in older adults 18 , 19 ,