According to a study, some vitamin supplements may increase the risk of stroke

HHe added: "The other supplements do not seem to have a significant effect on mortality or cardiovascular outcomes."

The research examined the effect of 16 different nutritional supplements and eight dietary interventions on mortality and cardiovascular outcomes in adult participants.

He concluded that reducing salt and eating omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish provided some protection against heart disease, while folic acid provided some protection against stroke.

Supplements combining calcium and vitamin D appeared to increase the risk of having a stroke by 17%.

However, scientists have recommended to interpret the results with caution because it is notoriously difficult to establish the cause and effect of the field of nutrition.

"We found that only a few of the 16 nutritional supplements and one of the eight dietary interventions evaluated had a protective effect on cardiovascular risk reduction," said Dr. Khan.

Supplements that did not appear to have a significant effect on mortality or cardiovascular outcomes included selenium, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D alone, calcium alone, acid folate and iron.

The NHS advice indicates that most people do not need to take vitamin supplements because they have to get all the vitamins and minerals they need by following a balanced diet.