Most popular vitamin and mineral supplements do not make people healthier, says report

Millions may be wasting their time and money because a major study has found that the most popular vitamin and mineral supplements do not make people healthier.

Most household vitamin and mineral supplements do not provide any health benefits whatsoever - and some could even increase the risk of death, scientists claim.

The most popular vitamin and mineral supplements were found to not give any health benefits - including vitamin C pills and calcium tablets.

Instead, scientists advise people get all their nutrients from a healthy diet.

A study reviewed the most common supplements taken by the general population including A, B1, B2, B3 (niacin), B6, B9 (folic acid), C, D and E.

They also included the minerals β-carotene, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and selenium.

Multivitamins, vitamin D, calcium and vitamin C showed no advantage or added risk in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, strokes or premature death.

Danger of death

But niacin and antioxidants showed signs they could actually be harmful - because they showed a very small increased risk of death from any cause.

It was not all bad news, however, because folic acid was the only supplement that could be proven to reduce the risk of heart disease or a stroke.

Experts concluded you are better off eating less processed plant foods including vegetables, fruits and nuts instead of taking multivitamins.