Health conscious Brits spend an estimated £442 million on a vast array of supplements a year, including fish oils, multivitamins, enzymes and amino acids. One in three of us takes a daily vitamin supplement.
They claim to be good for us - with suggestions they can reduce pain, boost your immune system, and many more. But are they a waste of money?
Do I need a supplement?
We should be able to get all our necessary vitamins, minerals and oils from our diets.
However, the Department of Health recommends a Vitamin D supplement during winter, as our main source comes from sunshine. Those particularly at risk of deficiency, such as the elderly and those who do not spend much time outdoors, should take all year round.
It also recommends Folic Acid for pregnant women.It is also suggested that children between the ages of six months and five years take a supplement that includes Vitamins A, C and D.
What is in my diet?
If you are healthy and eating a balanced diet it is hard to be deficient in other nutrients, such as Vitamins A, B and C. If you eat red meat, dairy products and leafy green vegetables you probably getting enough iron and calcium.
Diets high in Fruit and Vegetables are proven to reduce the risk of certain cancers, but there is no evidence to show that multivitamin supplements have the same benefits. Fruit and Vegetables also contain Fibre and other beneficial nutrients, such as antioxidants and flavonoids.
Omega 3 fish oils contain fatty acids known as EPA and DHA, which have proven benefits, but you can get these by eating two portions of fish a week, including an oily one such as salmon, trout or mackerel.
Cod Liver Oil has a reputation as reducing muscular pain, joint pain and stiffness, but this is unproven.
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