Are supplements worth the hype?

The British public spend an eye-watering £1.4 billion a year on food supplements or multivitamins but would you be surprised to know that most of those multivitamins sold in the UK are covered by the law that relates to food rather than medicines? Many in the medical and scientific communities don’t necessarily believe that in developed societies with access to a range of foods to complement our diets that we need these supplements.

Margaret Rayman, a professor of nutritional medicine at the University of Surrey and member of the Think Through Nutrition Science Advisory Council, discussed the benefits of multivitamins or the lack thereof in the Sunday Telegraph.

It’s important to remember that food supplements are useful, if not vital, for some people. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are advised to take folic acid and vitamin D supplements. Those on plant-based diets may need supplementary vitamins and nutrients that are usually found in larger quantities in meat and fish and older people may require greater food supplements than younger people.

There are some vitamins that are recommended even for those with a healthy diet. Vitamin D, which we get from the sun, is recommended for the autumn and winter months in the UK and as we get older, it is recommended that we start to take vitamin B12 which helps to keep our nervous system healthy. Omega 3, while not strictly a vitamin, is also recommended, particularly for those who do not eat oily fish regularly.

Research has highlighted additional, more specific reasons to take a supplement which could be beneficial in numerous clinical cases. A compelling level of evidence highlights how therapeutic levels of multivitamins could help in the management of ADHD. Whilst this is promising, any recommendation like this should he considered on a case by case basis so that it is personalised to the individual and their set of needs.

Overall, the taking of supplements is not as straight forward as the adverts on television would make it seem. So make sure you check in with a medical professional if you are unsure.

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