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Taking extra vitamins and minerals may do more harm than good, according to a research conducted by Dr. Tim Byers’ team.
Their decade-long study revealed that exceeding the recommended daily amount of supplements can increase the risk of cancer and heart disease, according to a report by Mirror UK.
A top cancer expert, Dr. Byers investigated several research papers spanning 30 years. With focus on over-the-counter pills and supplements such as folic acid, beta-carotene, and vitamin E tablets, his research found that these supplements are actually not beneficial to human health.
“We found that the supplements were actually not beneficial for their health. In fact, some people actually got more cancer while on the vitamins,” Dr. Byers revealed.
Folic acid, which is believed to prevent some birth defects involving the spine and brain, was found to increase the risk of cancer by 56% when taken more than the recommended dosage.
Meanwhile, at least two trials confirmed that individuals who take extra dosage of beta-carotene supplements are more likely to develop lung cancer and heart disease by 20%.
A trial involving 35,000 individuals in the US taking too much Vitamin E tablets were found to have 17% increased risk of having prostrate cancer.
“This is not to say that people need to be afraid of taking vitamins and minerals. If taken at the correct dosage multivitamins can be good for you,” Dr. Byers explained.
No Substitute for Good Food?
Instead of taking extra doses of supplements, Dr. Byers advised people to consume nutritious food.
However, several critics believe that not all people can get all the vitamins they need from food alone. This is the reason why they believe supplements can help them get the nutrients their bodies need.
“We do not recommend high doses of vitamins, unless under the direction of your doctor,” a spokesman for the Council for Responsible Nutrition said.
