Multivitamin supplements and minerals do not protect the heart

What is the protective effect of multivitamin supplements and minerals?

Many people today take so-called supplements. But there are always discussions among experts about the effectiveness of these funds. Researchers have now discovered that multivitamin supplements and minerals have no benefit in the prevention of heart attacks, strokes or cardiovascular disease.

Researchers at the University of Alabama found in their current research that a mix of vitamins and minerals can not really protect against heart attacks, strokes or cardiovascular disease. The physicians published the results of their study in the English language journal "Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes".

Prevent dietary supplement deaths from heart disease

For their study, the experts analyzed the data of more than two million people. The distribution of nutritional supplements enables companies to make millions in sales. Often these supplements are advertised through a wide range of health promoting effects. However, in their analysis of 18 previously published studies on supplements, the researchers found no evidence that their intake could reduce the deaths from heart disease.

Disadvantages of using nutritional supplements

Users of nutritional supplements may not take effective measures to improve their lifestyle or diet, and instead rely too much on dietary supplements, physicians suggest. This could be a significant disadvantage for the health.

Overall, it has been extremely difficult to convince people, including nutritionists, that multivitamin and mineral supplements do not prevent cardiovascular disease, study author Dr. Joonseok Kim from the University of Alabama.

Rely on best practices for protecting your health

Hopefully, current study results will help reduce the widespread praise of multivitamin and mineral supplements. People need to be encouraged to use best practices to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease, say the experts. Those affected should, for example, eat more fruits and vegetables and quit smoking.

How can dietary supplements be advertised??

So-called nutritional supplements do not require authorization in many countries for reasons of safety or efficacy. While manufacturers can not make specific claims about the capabilities of their products to prevent, cure or treat disease, this does not apply to more general health claims, the authors of the study explain.

Nutritional supplements neglect other options

Of course, supplements that can harm your health are very rare. The problem, according to the medical profession, is that people may neglect lifestyle or medical interventions with proven benefits if they find vitamins a simpler option.

There is no substitute for a balanced diet

Take care of a healthy heart especially on a healthy diet, advise the experts. There is no substitute for a balanced, nutritious diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, which limits the intake of excess calories, saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, sugar and cholesterol, the doctors add. (As)