Alexandra Jungert1, Katharina Quack Lötscher2, Sabine Rohrmann3. 1. Institute of Nutritional Science, Justus Liebig University Giessen 2. Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Zurich 3. Division of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Vitamins are vitally important, but they are not always adequately supplied with the diet. In this review, we present the advantages and disadvantages of vitamin supplementation and the indications for it in various life situations. METHODS: This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective search of the literature. RESULTS: The German National Nutrition Survey II (Nationale Verzehrsstudie II) showed that most people in Germany consume adequate amounts of vitamins in their diet, with the exception of vitamin D and folate. Supplements are often taken by adults who already consume a balanced diet. Depending on the vitamin, 3-13% of survey respondents took vitamin supplements; the ones most often taken were vitamins C and E. No convincing evidence has yet demonstrated a health benefit from vitamin supplementation in addition to a balanced diet for the primary prevention of nutrition-associated diseases. Vitamin supplementation is indicated in certain specific life situations, e.g., pregnancy, but otherwise unnecessary, unless a deficiency has been diagnosed or the individual is at elevated risk. CONCLUSION: Vitamin supplementation is recommended for certain population groups: folic acid for pregnant women, vitamin B12 for vegans and persons with resorption disorders, vitamin D for persons with insufficient endogenous synthesis. In all other cases, it should first be tested whether the individual might be substantially helped by dietary changes alone. In general, the potential adverse effects of vitamin supplementation need to be considered, and its benefits weighed against its risks.
BACKGROUND:Vitamins are vitally important, but they are not always adequately supplied with the diet. In this review, we present the advantages and disadvantages of vitamin supplementation and the indications for it in various life situations. METHODS: This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective search of the literature. RESULTS: The German National Nutrition Survey II (Nationale Verzehrsstudie II) showed that most people in Germany consume adequate amounts of vitamins in their diet, with the exception of vitamin D and folate. Supplements are often taken by adults who already consume a balanced diet. Depending on the vitamin, 3-13% of survey respondents took vitamin supplements; the ones most often taken were vitamins C and E. No convincing evidence has yet demonstrated a health benefit from vitamin supplementation in addition to a balanced diet for the primary prevention of nutrition-associated diseases. Vitamin supplementation is indicated in certain specific life situations, e.g., pregnancy, but otherwise unnecessary, unless a deficiency has been diagnosed or the individual is at elevated risk. CONCLUSION: Vitamin supplementation is recommended for certain population groups: folic acid for pregnant women, vitamin B12 for vegans and persons with resorption disorders, vitamin D for persons with insufficient endogenous synthesis. In all other cases, it should first be tested whether the individual might be substantially helped by dietary changes alone. In general, the potential adverse effects of vitamin supplementation need to be considered, and its benefits weighed against its risks.
Authors: Anne Ws Rutjes; David A Denton; Marcello Di Nisio; Lee-Yee Chong; Rajesh P Abraham; Aalya S Al-Assaf; John L Anderson; Muzaffar A Malik; Robin Wm Vernooij; Gabriel Martínez; Naji Tabet; Jenny McCleery Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2018-12-17