Study Show Taking Vitamins Might Cause More Harm Than Good

If you’re inclined to take vitamin supplements daily because you’re concerned you aren't getting enough of the good stuff from your food, I hear you. I’ve taken vitamins daily from pretty much the first time my mom introduced me to being a Flintstones's kid. I can’t speak to the validity of the Flintstones’s vitamins, but we’ve had two comprehensive studies of adult vitamins in two years and the news isn’t good. According to the most recent study published by Tufts University, there was no measured benefit for adults who used a general vitamin supplement. The study covered 11 years and 30,000 people over the age of 20.

What’s more, is that to the extent there was a measured impact there was increased risk associated with too much of the non-water-soluble vitamins and minerals like calcium and vitamin B. But here’s the thing, they did find benefit with vitamins when they were obtained naturally through food. On the surface, it doesn’t seem to make complete sense except for the excuse that most vitamin supplements aren’t adequately absorbed by the body, which may be the case. However, that wouldn’t explain away the potential issue with calcium and vitamin B from those who overdose. And here’s the thing. This is the second study in as many years that’s concluded essentially the same thing. 

It’s always made the most sense that we would fare best with nutrients directly from food. It’s increasingly possible that is the only way we will benefit. Maybe that or perhaps we should all just try to stay on Flintstones's?

Photo by: Darren McCollester/Getty Images


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