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Multivitamins and supplements unlikely to benefit the ‘very worried’, new research finds
- Study of 21,600 people found no measurable improvement in pill taking
- Scientists said the benefits flowed from the ‘positive expectation’ of effectiveness
- The supplement industry is worth billions of pounds worldwide
They are taken every day by millions of Britons in the belief that they will improve their health.
But research suggests that all of the “ well-worried ” benefits of vitamin pills and mineral supplements may all be in mind.
A study of 21,600 people found that there was no measurable clinical improvement between those who took supplements and those who did not.
Scientists said any benefit was explained by a “ positive expectation ” of efficacy, rather than hard evidence – and most people who take the products are “ very worried, ” who are already healthier than others.
A study of 21,600 people found there was no measurable clinical improvement between those who took supplements and those who did not (pictured)
The supplement industry is worth billions of pounds worldwide. Up to 24 million Britons – 46% of adults – take daily vitamins. Experts recognize that supplements can be crucial if someone has a known vitamin or mineral deficiency.
But a series of clinical trials have failed to identify any health benefits for those without such a deficiency.
The latest study, conducted by Harvard University in the United States, asked participants about their health, including their routine daily activities and medical history.
A total of 5,000 reported taking supplements regularly, and 16,660 did not. Those who took multivitamins and minerals reported 30% better overall health than those who did not.
Scientists said the benefits were explained by the “ positive expectation ” of effectiveness, rather than hard evidence – and most people who take the products are the “ very worried ”, who are already healthier than others (stock photo)
However, there was no difference between those who followed them and those who didn’t in any of the five psychological, physical, or “functional” health outcomes. The researchers suggested that this implies that supplement users “believe in the effectiveness of multivitamins and minerals in harboring a positive expectation of health benefits.”
The results suggest that people who are already healthy – and have a strong interest in health – are more likely to take supplements.
Dr Carrie Ruxton, of the industry-funded health and dietary supplement information service, said: ‘Supplements are used to supplement nutrients in people who wish to meet recommended dietary needs and should not be considered quasi-drugs to treat or prevent disease. ”
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