Dietary supplements may not be effective against heart disease, according to the results of a study published in the medical journal Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Only one balanced diet protects heart health.
Vitamins and minerals have long been used to treat nutrient deficiencies. In recent years, supplements have been promoted as a means of health and longevity. According to the National Health and Nutrition Survey, in 2012 it was estimated that 52% of the population took dietary supplements.
Researchers at the University of Toronto in Canada performed a meta-analysis of 179 randomized controlled trials of vitamin and mineral supplement use published from January 2012 to October 2017 to determine if a benefit existed.
A balanced diet protects the heart
Researchers found that data on the four most commonly used supplements, multivitamins, vitamin Dcalcium and vitamin C presented no real benefit for the prevention of cardiovascular illnessesof the’myocardial infarctionorstroke. I’folic acid alone and the B vitamins in which folic acid is present have shown a reduction in stroke.
These results support the last recommendation of the US Task Force on Preventive Services in 2014 that “current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance between the benefits and harms of single or paired nutrient supplements for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and Cancer”.
“These findings suggest that people need to be aware of the supplements they take and ensure they apply to their specific vitamin and mineral deficiency identified by their doctor,” says Dr. Jenkins.
“In the absence of significant positive data on food supplements, it is important to bet on a healthy diet to fill up with vitamins and minerals”, underlines the specialist.
Researchers point out that there are three diets to reduce the risk of heart disease : a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat and red meat, but high in fruits and vegetablesthe mediterranean diet and the vegetarian diet.
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