Science shows that taking a lot of supplements doesn't seem to have real health benefits and, in some situations, could be harmful. However, in moderation, some supplements may be recommended if those vitamins or minerals are lacking in your diet. People who eat a lot of nutrient-rich foods live longer and healthier lives, so enjoy lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and talk to a healthcare provider if you're not sure if taking supplements would benefit you. In some cases, she said, taking additional nutrients can have harmful effects.
Many people choose to take supplements, but taking them too much or for too long could be harmful. The Department of Health and Social Care recommends certain supplements for certain groups of people who are at risk of suffering from a deficiency. You should also administer any new supplement you're considering with your provider or pharmacist before adding it to your regimen. Tell your healthcare providers (including doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and dieticians) about any dietary supplements you are taking.
However, some studies show no evidence that many popular supplements have real health benefits, leading many scientists to change some of their recommendations. Some supplements may increase the risk of bleeding or, if taken before surgery, may change the response to anesthesia. Overall, people who took vitamins and supplements from Zhang's cohort had, at the start of the study, a higher nutrient intake than those who didn't supplement their diets. Those supplements were associated with 62 percent higher cancer death rates than those below that dose, but only when the source was a supplement.
It's a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider about the supplements you take on a regular basis, Kitchin said, especially if you have a health problem, dietary restriction, or are taking any type of medication. However, data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) indicate that people may continue to consume supplements. Dietary supplements come in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, gummies and powders, as well as energy drinks and bars. Children ages 6 months to 5 years should take vitamin supplements containing vitamins A, C, and D every day.
Combining several supplements or taking doses higher than recommended may increase the risk that they could cause harm, Kitchin said. However, there are times when it is not possible to meet all your nutritional needs or when other factors in your life make it necessary to take supplements during pregnancy, menopause or for a chronic condition or deficiency, for example. If you think you've had an adverse reaction to a dietary supplement, tell your healthcare provider. Zhang's cohort seemed to reflect this: 51.2 percent reported consuming dietary supplements and 38.3 percent reported taking multivitamins or minerals in the past 30 days.
