People who regularly take a supplement do so in the hopes of covering their nutritional bases. But do we need to? Many experts say they have their place. Others say they’re expensive and unnecessary.
It’s certainly true that supplement brands are raking in profits. This year, revenue generated by the industry reached a staggering £610 million ($1.26 billion) in the UK, and the market is projected to grow by 6.
53% annually over the next five years. The benefits promised by these brands cover everything from improved immunity and general wellbeing , to addressing specific concerns such as gut issues or brain health. It’s easy to see why they’re so popular - who wouldn’t want to pop a pill to fix their ailments? But could taking unnecessary supplements actually do more harm than good? Let’s find out.
What’s in a standard multivitamin? An all-rounder will usually include vitamins A, C, D, E and the B vitamins , as well as minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc. The difference is vitamins are made by animals or plants, whereas minerals come from the soil and environment. Plants absorb minerals, which are then eaten by animals and humans.
.
