From the Guidelines
Vitaceuticals supplements are not effective for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer, and their use should be carefully considered due to potential harm at high doses. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2014 1, found that there is no clear evidence to support the use of vitamin, mineral, and multivitamin supplements for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Some key points to consider when evaluating the effectiveness of vitaceuticals supplements include:
- The variability in composition of dietary supplements makes it challenging to extrapolate results from controlled clinical trials 1
- The potential for harm from supplements at high doses should be carefully considered, particularly at doses exceeding the tolerable upper intake levels 1
- A balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, and seafood is associated with a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease and cancer, and is a more effective way to support overall health 1
- Certain groups of patients, such as women who are planning to or may become pregnant, may benefit from specific nutrients like folic acid, but this should be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider 1 It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any supplement, as they can evaluate specific health needs and potential interactions with medications. Additionally, if supplements are chosen, they should be from reputable manufacturers that undergo third-party testing for quality assurance. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, has stronger evidence for improving health outcomes than supplements.
From the Research
Effectiveness of Vitaceuticals Supplements
- The effectiveness of vitaceuticals supplements is a topic of ongoing debate, with some studies suggesting benefits and others finding no significant effects 2, 3, 4.
- A study from 1984 found that high-dose vitamin supplementation had a beneficial therapeutic effect in certain conditions, such as intermittent claudication and fibrocystic breast disease, but not in others, such as acne vulgaris and schizophrenia 2.
- More recent studies have found that vitamin supplementation has failed to demonstrate strong associations with health benefits, despite epidemiologic evidence suggesting that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables has a protective effect on health 3, 4.
- A 2012 review of randomized studies found that, for the majority of the population, there is no overall benefit from taking multivitamin/mineral supplements, and some studies have even shown increased risk of cancers in relation to using certain vitamins 4.
Specific Vitamins and Minerals
- Iron and vitamin D/calcium deficiency are common after gastric bypass surgery, and oral supplements are often prescribed to treat these deficiencies 5.
- However, the absorption of these supplements can be affected by the surgery, and the optimal dosage to achieve optimal health benefits while avoiding potential toxicity and tolerability issues is unknown 5.
- A 2021 systematic review found that adults consuming plant-based diets had lower intake of certain nutrients, such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, and iron, compared to meat-eaters, and may require supplementation or fortification to ensure adequate nutrient intake 6.
Risks and Benefits
- The use of high-dose vitamin supplementation can have adverse effects, and it is essential to consider the risk-benefit ratio before embarking on such treatment 2.
- The evidence suggests that, while vitaceuticals supplements may have benefits in certain situations, they should not be taken without careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits, and in consultation with a healthcare professional 2, 3, 4.