Studies find about half of all U.S. adults take a daily multivitamin to boost health and lower the risk of diseases, but new research shows it could be for naught.
Adults need a nutrient-rich diet from fruits and vegetables, and no disease-fighting benefits were found in adults who take multi-vitamins as a dietary supplement. The study showed no difference in multivitamin users against breast or colon cancer, heart attack, stroke, blood clots or mortality. That is not to say all multivitamins are useless.
Zach Gleason of the Abilene Natural Food Center said, "Another thing to keep in mind, especially with a lot of store brands of vitamins, is they're in forms the body can't use. It's important that people realize that good vitamins are generally more expensive. You are spending a little more on a good vitamin, but you are getting more for your money."
While it is disappointing that multivitamins will not prevent cancer or heart disease, doctors say taking a multivitamin over a long period of time still helps fill nutrient gaps, leading to better overall health.
Americans spend about 20-billion dollars each year on vitamin and dietary supplement products.
