Many Brits have low levels of the vitamin – in fact, one in six are deficient in Vitamin D, which is why it’s common for people to take a multivitamin to get extra vitamin D.
But if you’re hoping that taking a multivitamin will help you live even longer, you might want to think again.
A large new study of nearly 400,000 US adults finds that taking multivitamins does not extend life expectancy and that people who take multivitamins have a slightly higher risk of death from any cause.
Researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) discovered the data by combining the results of three large studies that involved a total of 390,124 adults.
Studies have shown that people who regularly take multivitamins also have higher quality diets and lower BMI scores.
What can we learn from this study?
“The study involved 390,124 healthy US adults and found no evidence that regularly taking a multivitamin increases life expectancy,” Dr Chun Tan, medical director at Pall Mall Medical, told Yahoo UK.
“However, this study does not rule out the possibility that taking a daily multivitamin may have other health benefits related to aging or specific deficiencies. If your diet is lacking in certain vitamins or minerals, a multivitamin can help fill the gaps.”
How relevant are these findings for Brits?
Dr Tan says that although this is an American study, its findings could also apply to people living in the UK, provided a few things are taken into account.
“The US and UK populations have different demographics, genetics and lifestyles. They have different diets and therefore different nutritional needs,” he explains.
“Additionally, health systems and access to care are different, not to mention climates and pollution levels. And let’s not forget that cultural attitudes towards supplements and health may also differ.”
Should I stop taking my multivitamins?
Although studies have shown that taking multivitamins doesn’t help you live longer, Dr Tan says that doesn’t necessarily mean people should stop taking them.
“You may still benefit, especially if you have specific nutritional deficiencies or needs that can’t be met through diet alone,” he added.
“For example, certain groups may benefit from taking a multivitamin, such as pregnant women, older adults and people with certain medical conditions.”
The benefits of taking vitamins
Dr Tan says that both multivitamins and specific vitamins can help fill in any nutritional gaps in your diet so you can feel your best.
“Iron boosts energy levels and keeps your blood healthy, while vitamin D is incredibly beneficial for your bones and immune system, especially in winter when there is less sunlight,” he explains.
“Taking just a few of these vitamins each day can make a big difference in your overall health and well-being.”
So how do you decide which vitamins to take? Dr Tan says the first thing to do if you’re feeling unwell is to make an appointment with your GP.
“Consulting your doctor or pharmacist is a great next step, as they can provide personalized advice based on your health history and dietary habits,” he added.
“There are also blood tests that can check for specific deficiencies, such as vitamin D or iron deficiencies.”
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