You might want to shift your focus from your morning supplement routine to your diet if you’re looking to reap the benefits of vitamins, a new study says. Researchers at Tufts University have found that nutrients from food are associated with living longer\u2014but the same can’t be said for vitamin supplements.<\/p>\n
The researchers analyzed data on more than 27,000 adults in the U.S. to evaluate the link between dietary supplements and mortality. They found that the “lower risk of death associated with adequate nutrient intakes of vitamin K and magnesium was limited to nutrients from foods, not from supplements,” a statement on the research says.<\/p>\n
Additionally, the researchers found that getting enough vitamin K, vitamin A, and zinc via a balanced diet lowers your chances of having cardiovascular disease. Getting enough of those three via pills, though, doesn’t have the same effect. On top of that, the researchers found that getting too much calcium from supplements\u2014defined as at least 1,000 milligrams a day\u2014increases your risk of dying of cancer. But that relationship doesn’t exist if you’re getting that much calcium from food, the study found.<\/p>\n
Another interesting finding from the new research: If you take vitamin D without being vitamin D deficient, you could be increasing your chances of dying of cancer. However, more studies are needed to solidify this finding, the researchers warn.<\/p>\n
If you do need to take a supplement to treat a medical condition, make sure you’re cautious when choosing which one to swallow each day. If you’re healthy enough to avoid supplements, though, focus on getting enough vitamins through a balanced diet instead, research advises.<\/p>\n