This year the world will be spending over a $100 billion on vitamins and supplements as people increasingly seek a quick fix in these nutrient-dense products.
Adelaide dietician Anne Schneyder is not convinced though that most people need a regular intake of vitamins from supplements.
Science educator Dr. Derek Muller has just completed a documentary exploring the truth about vitamins, a supplement consumed by almost a billion people worldwide.
“I would say, you know, if you’re getting a balanced diet of fresh fruit and veggies and all your other things and you’re mixing it up, and you're not just eating one type of thing, getting exercise, getting outdoors, a little bit of sunlight to get some vitamin D, I would say you’re likely healthy as far as it comes to your diet and nutrition are concerned. And if you’re not eating well and you’re popping a multivitamin to sort of make up for it I would suggest that it doesn’t completely make up for it.”
To avoid unnecessary health consequences, Dr. Muller encourages everyone to take a critical approach to vitamins and supplements.
“When you are trying to ask the question which pills should I be taking I would say, ‘stop’ and first ask yourself, ‘What food should I be eating? What lifestyle changes can I be making to achieve this without adding something to my diet?”
