WASHINGTON – With so many different vitamins and so much advice over what works and what doesn’t, it can be challenging to choose the nutritional supplements that are right for you.
That in mind, Gizmodo recently combed through all the medical literature to come up with some informed conclusions. Here is what the website found.
Vitamins worth taking:
Zinc
When it comes to shortening the length of a cold, forget vitamin C. Instead, take zinc in the first 24 hours after the onset of symptoms. “The mineral interferes with the replication of rhinoviruses,” states Gizmodo.
Vitamin D
This vitamin is essential for the body’s absorption of key minerals, such as calcium. But since it comes from the sun, many people can benefit from taking supplemental Vitamin D during the winter, Gizmodo says.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
For heart health, Niacin is worthwhile, Gizmodo says. It decreases levels of bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol. If you aren’t already taking statins, taking this vitamin could help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Not worth taking:
Multivitamins
Gizmodo reports three long-term studies found that multivitamins provide no measurable benefit when it comes to hearth health, cancer prevention or cognitive decline.
Vitamin C
The perception that vitamin C helps with the common cold can be traced back to a book published in 1970 called “Vitamin C and the Common Cold.” However, there is no actual evidence taking this vitamin will help with your cold.
Vitamin E
Analysis found this vitamin actually caused harm, Gizmodo reports. High doses of the supplement – greater than 150 IU per day — increased overall mortality.
Check out Gizmodo for its full list of vitamins.
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