‘No beneficial effect of supplementation’ for chronic disease risk reduction, says BNF

Speaking to the Express, one of their nutritional scientists, Helena Gibson-Moore, said: “It is important to remember that supplements should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet.

“A balanced and varied diet should provide adequate amounts of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients essential for good health, as well as essential nutritional components such as fiber and natural bioactive compounds (such as polyphenols), with the exception of vitamins. D.

“A healthy, balanced diet is usually high in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy or dairy replacement products, legumes and legumes, and other protein foods such as fish, lean meats, eggs, nuts, and seeds, and a small amount of unsaturated oils such as vegetable oils. or olive oil.

However, Helena said there are some caveats for those following a vegan diet.

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She said: “If you’re on a vegan diet, there are some nutrients that are harder to get, which is why the NHS recommends that you include fortified foods or supplements that contain nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin B12, iodine, selenium, calcium and iron. ”

Helena also warned about the use of supplements: “Several reviews and meta-analyses (where data from a number of studies are analyzed together) have generally shown that vitamin and mineral supplements do not have a positive effect on reducing the risk of chronic diseases (such as cancer and cardiovascular disease).

“In some cases, the use of high-dose supplements (such as beta-carotene) has been shown to have an adverse effect on disease risk.”

Despite this, supplements are not without some advantages.