In this article, The Medical Experts @ The Health Standard, share their expert insights of the findings and provide Mississippi residents with evidence-based recommendations for protecting their health.
Why This Matters to You
A new large-scale study has found that taking daily multivitamins does not lower your risk of dying. This finding is particularly relevant for residents of Harrison County, where supplement use is common. For those without a diagnosed vitamin deficiency, daily multivitamin use may be an unnecessary expense.
What This Means for Your Health
The study suggests that relying on vitamins for longevity may not be an effective strategy. Simply because, your body is not really absorbing these synthetic vitamins.
Instead, active steps like eating a balanced diet and engaging in a healthy lifestyle can be more beneficial for overall health and longevity in Harrison County.
Key Findings
No mortality benefit: The study found that taking daily multivitamins did not lower the risk of death compared to not taking them.
Multivitamins can pose hidden risks:
- Supplemental beta carotene may increase lung cancer risk in smokers and asbestos workers.
- Vitamin K can interfere with blood thinners like warfarin.
- Iron supplements may lead to iron overload, linked to heart disease, diabetes, and dementia.
- Calcium and zinc can reduce antibiotic absorption.
- Synthetic vitamin E lacks the full spectrum of compounds found in food sources.
Doctors' Expert Insights and Actionable Steps to Protect Your Health In a More Holistic Way
We approached our panel of health experts and they added some color to these findings.
Dr. Adriana Davis, Family Medicine, commented: "This study reinforces the importance of obtaining nutrients from whole foods rather than relying solely on supplements. But, also, please do understand, that your body can have deficiencies over time, and for this there is supplementation available. Talk to your healthcare team!"
Focus on a balanced diet: Dr. Puja Uppal, Family Medicine, advises: "Try, when possible, to get your vitamins and minerals from a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. With summer in bloom, visiting Harrison County's many farmers markets can be a great way to find fresh, nutrient-rich produce."
Regular health check-ups: Dr. Shelandra Bell, a Family Medicine physician in Michigan, recommends: "Schedule annual check-ups with your primary care provider to monitor your overall health and discuss any specific nutritional needs. Many clinics across Harrison County offer comprehensive health screenings."
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Manage stress: Dr. Owen Muir, a psychiatrist in New York added, "...chronic stress can negatively impact your health. Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga, or take advantage of Harrison County's many parks for nature therapy. Data has consistently demonstrated that time in can be helpful with depression symptoms."
Lack of benefits from vitamins may be due to several factors:
Complex nutrient interactions: Whole foods contain many nutrients that work together in ways that benefit our health. These beneficial interactions may not occur with synthetic multivitamin formulations.
Healthy user effect: People who take multivitamins often lead healthier lifestyles in general. This can create a false impression that multivitamins are providing them with health benefits. And, this in turn, creates an impression that it's the vitamins and not the healthy habits which are responsible for good health.
As an observational study, unmeasured factors could potentially bias these findings. As such, more research will be needed to fully understand the data.
Keep in mind: One practical step you can take is to talk to your doctor if you suspect you have a deficiency in micronutrients like iron, zinc, or others. Your doctor can test for these deficiencies and prescribe appropriate supplements if and when needed.
The Bottom Line
While vitamins are popular, this study suggests they may not be the key to a longer life. For residents of Harrison County, Mississippi, the most important steps for longevity likely involve maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, and working closely with your healthcare provider to address your individual health needs.
Read the study at JAMA Network Open. (Visit Here)
Read More: Certain Diets Can Slash Your Risk of Heart Disease and Cancer.
5 Vitamins that are Commonly Consumed in Harrison County
Vitamin D
Vitamin B12
Vitamin C
Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin E
Health Standard Newswire: Get the nutrition from healthy foods instead.
Key Health and Medical Statistics of Harrison County, Mississippi
Did you know there were 8837 deaths from heart disease in Mississippi in 2021?
33.2% of you in Harrison County have been screened for cholesterol in the past 5 years.
11.4% of you in Harrison County have been diagnosed with diabetes.
36.3% of you in Harrison County are obese.
26.1% of you in Harrison County report that you have no time for physical activity in the day.
Health Facts That Matter: The health data mentioned above have a direct impact on your physical well-being and play a crucial role in determining your overall health outcomes.
The Health Standard Newswire.
