About half of U.S. adults took one or more dietary supplements in 2009, reports "The New York Times." Consumers take vitamin and mineral supplements to increase energy levels, immune functioning and overall well-being. However, some research suggests that vitamins may not improve health outcomes and could even decrease longevity in certain situations.
History
Humans supplemented their diets with vitamin-rich plant and animal products for hundreds of years, according to the University of Florida. Supplement pills became popular in the 20th century and were regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, until 1994. The University of Florida reports that the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act excludes vitamin supplements from FDA oversight, allowing manufacturers to make unverified health claims about a supplement's efficacy.
Significance
Dietary supplements provide extra vitamins and minerals your body needs to function. MayoClinic.com reports that many consumers believe vitamins boost health, prevent chronic diseases, eliminate dangerous free radicals and reduce risk of contracting colds. However, taking a supplement may provide too much of certain vitamins, causing negative health outcomes.
Effects
Several studies indicate that vitamin supplements may harm your body and shorten lifespan. "The New York Times" reports that beta carotene supplements may increase lung cancer rates, while folic acid use boosts risk of precancerous polyps. The effects of these vitamins may reduce longevity by increasing risk of chronic diseases. Other studies suggest that vitamins have no beneficial or harmful effect on health. For example, BBC News reports that multivitamins do not lower risk of heart disease or cancer.
Considerations
Vitamin supplements may be unnecessary and even harmful to your health. People who eat under 1,600 calories per day, follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, may become pregnant, are postmenopausal or have medical conditions affecting nutrient absorption may need to take vitamin supplements, according to MayoClinic.com. Talk to your doctor before taking a dietary supplement to determine if it is a smart choice for you.
Misconceptions
While people who eat nutrient-poor foods may suffer from vitamin deficiencies, a dietary supplement cannot replace nutrients from whole food sources. Fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins and minerals used by the body to maintain health. Vitamin supplements boost intake of beneficial nutrients but may have adverse health effects. Receiving vitamins and nutrients from whole food sources is superior to relying on dietary supplements.
Member Comments