Summary

Multivitamin supplements are not proven to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, as indicated by the Physician's Health Study, suggesting that lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise are more effective.

Abstract

The article discusses the inefficacy of multivitamin supplements in preventing cardiovascular disease, as evidenced by the Physician's Health Study. This large-scale, long-term trial found no significant difference in cardiovascular disease risk between those taking multivitamins and those on a placebo. The study also examined various dietary factors, concluding that pre-trial nutritional habits, foods, nutrients, and dietary patterns did not influence the multivitamin's effectiveness. The author, Howard Sesso, emphasizes the need for more clinical trials. In the interim, the article advises adopting lifestyle habits such as consuming natural foods, regular exercise, weight training, intermittent fasting (with doctor's advice for diabetics), a diet rich in vegetables, stress management, and following Hippocrates' wisdom on nutrition as medicine.

Opinions

The author suggests that multivitamins may not be a worthwhile investment for preventing cardiovascular disease.
There is a call for more clinical trials to assess the impact of multivitamins on cardiovascular health.
The article promotes the idea that a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and exercise, is more beneficial than relying on supplements.
It is implied that the ancient wisdom of Hippocrates, emphasizing food as medicine, is still relevant and should guide modern health practices.
The author encourages readers to support their work by signing up for a Medium subscription or buying them a coffee, indicating a preference for direct reader support over other monetization methods.

One Supplement You May Be Wasting Your Money on to Combat Cardiovascular Disease

Don’t waste your money or effort on this one

Both the young and old spend their valuable income on supplements and multivitamins.

Many American adults take a multivitamin supplement, believing it will benefit their health and longevity.

They are not alone — I shared that belief too.

The physician’s health study is possibly the only large scale, long term trial testing the effects of taking a multivitamin to reduce cardiovascular disease.

Researcher’s uncovered over 11 years of follow up with the study participants that there was NO significant difference in the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Both the placebo and multivitamin groups experienced the same results.

Throughout the study, this team of researchers had the opportunity to evaluate some different dietary factors, such as; Intake of fruit and veggies, whole grains, nuts, dairy products, red and processed meats, and some vitamins.

Overall, the investigators found that foods, nutrients, and dietary patterns or supplements assessed before the trial began had no measurable influence on the efficiency of the multivitamins impact on cardiovascular disease risk in middle-aged and older men.

It was thought that men who had poor nutritional habits would benefit more from the long term use of multivitamins.

But unfortunately, that was not the case — as stated by corresponding author Howard Sesso, ScD & MPH of the Division of Preventative Medicine and the Division of Ageing at BWH.

More clinical trials are required.

In the meantime, you can read more about this study here.

Key takeaways

Unfortunately, most of us become fixated on quick fixes to fulfil our health and weight-loss goals.

Using nutrition and exercise as a lifestyle habit will put you in a better position than gambling on supplements and false hope.

Here are some simple and effective things you can start doing today that will help you eliminate the risk of cardiovascular disease.

One: Keep tabs on your weight by eating natural, wholesome, and REAL foods daily.

Two: Exercise — just 30 minutes of walking or 7,500 steps per day.

Three: Increase the intensity by weight training 3–4 times per week.

Four: Try intermittent fasting to control your blood sugar and lower your cholesterol (see your doctor first if you have diabetes)

Five: Eat more veggies than meats

Six: Manage stress as a lifestyle habit that’s used regularly (like meditation and showing gratitude)

These lifestyle habits take some time to start filtering into your daily life and making them part of your overall lifestyle plan.

It’s never too late to start making positive changes in your life to bypass your risk of developing any disease.

There is no better medicine than that of food.

As Hippocrates wisely said,

“Let thy food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”

If a man from 400BC knew the impact of nutrition to combat disease, we should follow that same old and trusted advice that hasn’t failed us yet.

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