In this article, The Health Standard’s medical experts share their expert insights on the findings and provide Arizona residents with evidence-based recommendations to protect their health.
Why this is important for you
A new large-scale study has found that taking a daily multivitamin does not reduce the risk of death. This finding is particularly relevant for residents of Mohave County, where supplement use is widespread. For those without diagnosed vitamin deficiencies, taking a daily multivitamin may be an unnecessary expense.
What this means for your health
The study suggests that relying on vitamins for longevity is not an effective strategy, simply because your body doesn’t actually absorb these synthetic vitamins.
Instead, active measures such as a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle may be more beneficial for overall health and longevity in Mohave County.
Key findings
No death benefit: The study found that taking daily multivitamin supplements did not reduce the risk of death compared to not taking them.
Multivitamins can carry hidden risks:
- Additional intake of beta-carotene may increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers and asbestos workers.
- Vitamin K can interfere with the effectiveness of blood thinners such as warfarin.
- Iron supplements can lead to iron overload, which is associated with heart disease, diabetes and dementia.
- Calcium and zinc can reduce the absorption of antibiotics.
- Synthetic vitamin E lacks the full spectrum of compounds found in food.
Expert knowledge from doctors and practical steps to protect your health more holistically
We reached out to our panel of health experts and they have further clarified these findings.
Dr. Adriana Davis, family physician, commented: “This study underscores the importance of getting nutrients from whole foods rather than relying solely on supplements. But please also understand that your body can develop deficiencies over time and that there are supplements available for that. Talk to your doctor!”
Make sure you eat a balanced diet: Dr. Puja Uppal, family physician, advises, “When possible, try to get your vitamins and minerals from a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. With summer in full bloom, visiting the many farmers markets in Mohave County can be a great way to find fresh, nutrient-dense produce.”
Regular health checks: Dr. Shelandra Bell, a Michigan-based primary care physician, recommends, “Schedule annual checkups with your primary care physician to monitor your overall health and discuss any special dietary needs. Many clinics in Mohave County offer comprehensive health screenings.”
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Coping with stress: Dr. Owen Muir, a New York psychiatrist, added, “…chronic stress can negatively impact your health. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga, or use Mohave County’s many parks for nature therapy. Data has shown time and time again that time at home can be helpful for depression symptoms.”
The lack of benefit from vitamins can have several causes:
Complex nutrient interactions: Whole foods contain many nutrients that work together to benefit our health. These positive interactions may not occur with synthetic multivitamin supplements.
Healthy user effect: People who take multivitamins often lead healthier lifestyles in general. This can lead to the false impression that multivitamins provide them with health benefits. And this in turn creates the impression that it is the vitamins, and not healthy habits, that are responsible for good health.
As an observational study Unmeasured factors could potentially confound these results, so further research is needed to fully understand the data.
Keep in mind: A practical step you can take is to talk to your doctor if you suspect you may be deficient in micronutrients such as iron, zinc or others. Your doctor can test for these deficiencies and prescribe appropriate supplements if necessary.
The conclusion
Although vitamins are popular, this study suggests they may not be the key to living longer. For residents of Mohave County, Arizona, the most important steps to living a long life are likely to be eating a balanced diet, being physically active and working closely with their doctor to meet their individual health needs.
Read the study at JAMA Network open. (Visit here)
Read more: Certain diets may lower your risk of heart disease and cancer.
5 Vitamins Commonly Consumed in Mohave County
Vitamin D
Vitamin B12
vitamin C
Vitamin B complex
Vitamin E
Health Standard News Agency: Get your nutrients from healthy foods instead.
Important health and medical statistics for Mohave County, Arizona
Did you know There was 14550 deaths out of Heart disease in Arizona in 2021?
28.8% of you were in Mohave County tested for cholesterol in the last 5 years.
10.3% of you in Mohave County was diagnosed with diabetes.
35.7% of you in Mohave County are obese.
28.7% from you in Mohave County report that they do not have time for physical activity during the day.
Important health facts: The above health data directly impacts your physical well-being and plays a crucial role in determining your overall health status.
The Health Standard Newswire.
