In 2012, sales of vitamins, minerals, and supplements totaled nearly $23 billion in the U.S., and continue to grow at a rate of five to seven percent annually. However, researchers are saying this billion dollar business isn’t as beneficial to consumers as it may seem.
Several studies published in The Annals of Internal Medicine show that vitamins and supplements have no benefit when it comes to preventing chronic diseases.
About the Research
The Annals of Internal Medicine published three separate articles and one editorial analyzing the benefits, or lack thereof, of taking vitamins for long-term health benefits.
The first article studied the efficacy of vitamin and mineral supplements for preventing the occurrence or progression of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. The authors reviewed 27 different trials with more than 400,000 participants (all adults with no nutritional deficiencies). They found no clear evidence of a beneficial effect from taking the supplements.
The second article looked at the effect of a daily multivitamin to prevent cognitive decline in more than 5,000 men aged 65 years or older. After studying the participants for 12 years, there was no sign of improved cognitive performance or verbal memory.
The third article also found similar results when analyzing the potential benefits of a 28-component multivitamin in 1,708 men and women with a previous myocardial infarction. No significant difference was found between the multivitamin group and those taking the placebo. Average follow up was 4.6 years.
Conclusions
Combined with other trials and reviews, this evidence is sufficient to advise against routine supplementation according to the editorial authors. They state “The message is simple: Most supplements do not prevent chronic disease or death, their use is not justified, and they should be avoided.”
This is not to say that those with nutritional gaps in their diet should not take the proper supplements. These studies looked at adults with no nutritional deficiencies, indicating the average American who eats and exercises properly shouldn’t need to take vitamins on a regular basis. They were not looking at the effects of vitamins on those with existing deficiencies.
Do you agree with the researchers’ supposition that vitamins are ineffective for preventing chronic diseases? Do you personally take or recommend your patients take supplements? We’ll be continuing the conversation inside Sermo, if you’re an M.D. or D.O. please join us.
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