Bad news for anyone taking multivitamin supplements thinking they are improving their health. The effects may not be what you expect. Here’s what the latest study reveals, conducted by a team of researchers from Harvard University.
The Harvard University study on multivitamin supplements
There are many people who choose to take multivitamins. Especially with the arrival of winter. These are supplements containing a blend of valuable vitamins and micronutrients. But what are the real benefits of multivitamins? One studio conducted by a group of scientists from Harvard University tried to answer this question. The research results, published on BMJ, are not encouraging.
Scientists compared 4,933 adults who use multivitamins to 16,670 people who do not. The study participants self-assessed their health status. But the researchers also looked at objective parameters regarding physical and psychological health. For example, they considered whether participants had suffered from any diseases in the 12 months prior to the study.
Are multivitamins really good for your health?
The results are amazing. Indeed, it emerged that those who use multivitamin supplements consider themselves to be healthier than those who do not take them. At the same time, however, no difference was noted in the measurable parameters. In short, bad news for those who take multivitamin supplements: they make no difference on the objective state of health. One thing remains to be explained: how come those who use it feel healthier? It is probably a placebo effect. Those who use supplements tend to perceive their health more positively.
This does not mean that vitamin supplements are not useful. There are some cases where they are especially important:
a) when a disease causes a vitamin deficiency;
b) when nutrition is inadequate;
c) in particular conditions that increase the need for vitamins (for example, pregnancy).
Beyond these cases, however, you can satisfy your need for vitamins with a balanced diet. It is therefore important to consult with your doctor to find out if you really need a supplement.
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