Doctor lifts lid on the supplement he'd never take as it can raise risk of death
Taking an 'all-in-one' multivitamin every day may even raise mortality risk, UK-based general practitioner Dr Asif Ahmed said.
In an Instagram video, he explained: 'There is only one supplement that I would never take as a doctor. Lots of people still take it, despite studies showing it can increase your mortality rate - this is any multivitamin supplement.'
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A post shared by Dr Asif Ahmed (MBBS, MRCGP, BSc) (@dra_says)
It comes as a study by scientists from the National Cancer Institute in Maryland last summer, found that taking a daily multivitamin was associated with a four per cent increased risk of death over the course of the 20-year study.
The researchers found no evidence that the vitamin pills served any benefit for prolonging life.
Dr Ahmed added: 'The vast majority of people do not need an all-in-one multivitamin.
'They often have more than 100 per cent of the recommended daily allowances for all your vitamins and minerals which can be dangerous.'
The average male adult needs around 700 micrograms (µg) of vitamin A a day, and women 600µg. But some multivitamins sold on the high street can contain a much higher dose at 800µg per tablet.
Unlike other supplements that are difficult to overdose on, as excess comes out in your urine, multivitamins containing higher levels of vitamin A and vitamin K could also remain in the body as they're fat-soluble.
Dr Ahmed said: 'For things like vitamin A and vitamin K which are fat-soluble it can be quite dangerous and potentially in the long term can lead to liver failure, bone problems, and even bleeding and blood clot disorders.'
Fat-soluble vitamins can accumulate in the body over time in the liver and fatty tissue.
If consumed in excess, however, this can weaken the bones, and damage the kidney and the heart.
Taking vitamin D at high doses for an extended period of time can also cause complications like hypercalcemia. This is where excess calcium is deposited into the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart and kidney disease.
Dr Ahmed advised people who are worried they are not getting enough essential vitamins and minerals to take one specific supplement for their needs. For example, vitamin D supplements to boost bone health.
He has also said a healthy balanced diet that includes lots of oily fish, fortified foods and fiber is the best way to get all the essential vitamins the body needs: 'One thing that is fantastic that I take every day is a seed mixture.
'I get the milled version, where they take out the hard shell, to help with digestion and some say it can also increase the nutrient absorption.
'This is super high in fiber and protein and it's got so many minerals and vitamins in it as well. It's a food not a supplement so this is probably the best way to make sure you get all the trace elements you need in your diet.'
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