Doctor Warns: Most Supplements Useless

Many adults in the UK consume supplements daily, but experts caution against unnecessary use. While certain vitamins like D and folic acid are recommended by health bodies, others may offer no proven benefits and could even be harmful. Excessive intake of some vitamins, such as vitamin D, can lead to health issues like kidney problems due to elevated calcium levels. Additionally, vitamin D2 might weaken the immune system, contrasting with vitamin D3's potential benefits.

Dr. Lucy Hooper emphasizes that there isn't a single supplement beneficial for everyone. Instead, the focus should be on correcting deficiencies or using supplements for specific goals, identified perhaps through blood tests. She advocates a 'food first' approach, highlighting that a varied diet often provides sufficient nutrients. However, she acknowledges that some individuals, like vegans, may require B12 supplementation, and expectant mothers benefit from folic acid.

Dr. Hooper identifies vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, psyllium husk, and folic acid as potentially useful supplements under specific circumstances. For example, vitamin D is recommended during British winters, and folic acid is crucial before pregnancy to reduce neural tube defects. Conversely, she advises against supplements taken without a clear reason, those with excessively high doses, or those with very low active ingredient levels, deeming them potentially useless and a waste of money.