Recently, people have become increasingly interested in purchasing and consuming nutritional supplements and vitamins, believing that they protect them from disease and improve their health.
However, experts have confirmed that consuming nutritional supplements is, in most cases, a waste of money, offers no benefit to the body, and may even have adverse effects.
Verywell Health reported that the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended avoiding the use of vitamin E and beta-carotene supplements to prevent heart disease or cancer, especially in healthy adults.
Dr. John Wong, a physician at Tufts University and a member of the task force, explained that vitamin E supplements do not provide any protection against cancer, heart disease, or blood vessel disease.
Beta-carotene supplements, which the body converts into vitamin A, may increase the risk of lung cancer, especially in smokers.
Some supplements can also affect the effectiveness of medications. Some herbs used to treat depression and sleep disorders can interact with birth control pills.
It is not necessary to take these supplements, because the body does not benefit from them and excretes them.
Why do people keep taking supplements?
Despite the limited evidence of the effectiveness of these products, Americans spend billions of dollars annually purchasing these nutritional supplements.
“People like something tangible when it comes to health,” explained nutritionist Melissa Majondar. “It’s easier to take a pill than to change your behavior, diet, or lifestyle.”
When is it necessary to take supplements?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends taking nutritional supplements in certain situations, such as when pregnant women take folic acid supplements to prevent birth defects.
Vitamin D can also be taken, especially for people who find it difficult to obtain sufficient amounts of it through sun exposure or food.
.webp)
0 Comments