Why Most Vitamins and Supplements Won't Improve Your Health

Key Takeaways

Vitamin E and beta carotene supplements are ineffective for preventing cancer or heart disease in healthy adults.

Supplements like St. John’s wort can interfere with prescription medications.

Folic acid and vitamin D might be necessary for some people.

Although dietary supplements are popular in the United States, some experts argue that vitamins and supplements are mostly a waste of money.

Which Supplements Are the Least Useful?

Multivitamins are among the most purchased supplements, but research generally finds no clear reduction in disease risks and overall mortality in healthy adults.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) also recommends against using vitamin E and beta carotene supplements to prevent heart disease or cancer in healthy adults.

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