What supplements actually make a difference?

Some studies state that multivitamins provide no benefit in the minerals they provide. Other studies have shown a possible link with regular consumption of multivitamins and an increase in the number of cases of cancer.

What supplements actually make a difference?

Some studies state that multivitamins provide no benefit in the minerals they provide. Other studies have shown a possible link with regular consumption of multivitamins and an increase in the number of cases of cancer. Interestingly, consuming the same dose of these minerals in food doesn't show the same risk of cancer. Because nearly all supplements are used without medical supervision or control, most of the 50,000 adverse reactions estimated to occur in the United States each year go unreported.

However, it's not yet clear if probiotics in supplements help treat conditions, and most people don't need to take them every day.

Half of American adults, including 70% of those 65 and older, regularly take a multivitamin or other vitamin or mineral supplement.

If you want to be sure that you need this supplement, ask for a blood test; levels of at least 30 nanograms per milliliter are considered to be the best. Vitamin C may not help prevent or treat the common cold, but zinc, another commonly used cold supplement, may be worth taking. Many people take supplements in the belief that they will preserve health or prevent diseases; many others use supplements to treat specific conditions that have already appeared.

They also observed that, according to previous studies, vitamin E and beta-carotene supplements appear to be harmful, especially at high doses. Until (or unless) better oversight is available, supplements are likely to remain the Wild West of health in the United States. When it comes to research on supplements and vitamins, there are very few reliable, repeatable, and conclusive studies available. On the other hand, it has also been claimed that garlic supplements can prevent cancer, but the evidence is conflicting.

It's important to note that no supplement can completely correct the health effects of a poor diet. If you need fiber supplements, consider psyllium, which has the added benefit of lowering cholesterol levels. The Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act restricts the FDA's ability to regulate products that are marketed as dietary supplements, even though most people buy them for health reasons, not nutrition. If you don't eat fish, there are fish oil supplements with omega 3, such as EPA and DHA, and there are algae-based supplements.