Vitamins should be used to supplement the diet
More people take a daily vitamin supplement than eat their five-a-day, according to new research from Bupa.
One in three people surveyed said they take vitamins or supplements every day, while only one in four said they eat five portions of fruit and vegetables daily.
One in three people who take vitamins and supplements said they generally eat a balanced diet but take multivitamins to make sure they are getting all the nutrients they need. One in ten (10 per cent) said they take vitamins and supplements so that they don’t have to worry about eating a balanced diet.
Dr Annabel Bentley, medical director, Bupa said: “An apple a day really does help to keep the doctor away. Eating a balanced diet with lots of different vegetables and fruits should be a higher priority for health than popping pills.
"Taking vitamins and supplements shouldn’t be necessary for most people if they eat a balanced diet. They’re called ‘supplements’ because they are meant to supplement a healthy diet – not replace one. There is no shortcut to good health – your mum was right when she told you to eat up your greens.”
However, Bupa also found that the groups of people who should be getting vitamins – particularly older people and small children – are the least likely to do so. According to official advice, all children aged six months to five years should be given vitamin D drops.
Vitamin D is essential to keep bones and teeth healthy and to prevent rickets in children. In 2012 the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health reported a four-fold increase in rickets in the previous 12 years.
The survey found that only one in 25 parents gives their under fives vitamin D drops as advised. One in four gives their young children multivitamins designed for children and one in 20 parents gives adult multivitamins to children under five years old.
Vitamin D is also recommended for the over 65s, but the Bupa study found that only one in seven older people take a vitamin D supplement.
Dr Bentley said: “Under fives, over 65s and pregnant and breastfeeding women should all take a daily vitamin D supplement, making sure it is an appropriate one for them, as different groups of people require different doses. It is worrying that some people give adult multivitamins to young children, as they may contain levels of some vitamins that could be harmful for little ones."
Tagged in Nutrition Diet fruit Healthy eating Vitamins