Good diet, rather than supplements, for improving health

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Experts in nutrition say that it is dietary patterns, rather than supplements, which have most influence on health.
Many people believe that vitamin and mineral supplements help prevent disease and improve health and wellbeing. In fact, according to scientists at the Human Nutrition Research Center, Tufts University, the evidence for the benefits of supplements is not there yet. Recent trial results have shown no impact of vitamin E on heart health, for instance. Added to that, the relationship between supplementation and health is complex and not well understood.

It is dietary patterns that have been proven to have the most influence on our health. That's why a good intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, low fat diary produce, whole grains and fish, is probably your best guarantee of disease prevention and improved health. True, supplements have their place for certain at-risk groups of the population. And maybe future research will uncover some specific supplements that have value. But, for now, a focus on diet seems the most sensible approach.

Source
Journal of the American Medical Association 20th July 2005

Please take a moment to give us your comments. For questions about Health matters you may check our "Questions & Answers" Portal and Service.