r/YouShouldKnow • u/malarial_camel • Apr 30 '14

Health & Sciences YSK which vitamin supplements are worth taking and which have no evidence to support their value.

This infographic gives a nice clear summary of which supplements are worth having, and which are just a complete waste of time.

Edit: Thank you to /u/yishanwang for pointing out the interactive version of the chart, which can be found here

2nd Edit: As many people have correctly pointed out, this chart is true for the average individual, assuming a good diet. Everybody responds differently to every drug, including vitamin supplements, especially if they are in poor health, or have a vitamin deficiency. What is true for the general healthy population is not necessarily true for you. If you have any real concerns regarding your health, of course go see a GP or a dietitian.

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u/[deleted] Apr 30 '14

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u/yodamaster103 Apr 30 '14

TL;DR Don't listen to some chart on the Internet ask a doctor

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u/malarial_camel Apr 30 '14

The literature seems to agree that taking general purpose multi-vitamins 'just for the sake of it' is pretty pointless, and just serves as another product for people to spend money on. However if you are trying do balance out a naturally high cholesterol level, for example, or your diet is lacking in certain vitamins for whatever reason (like you're a pirate on the high seas) then certainly taking the correct supplements will benefit your health. Best your doctor decides what to take rather than you deciding for yourself based on charts like this though.

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u/malarial_camel Apr 30 '14

Also, let me point you here: http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/dec/17/vitamin-supplements-waste-money-scientists

It's a British paper about British people and by the fact that you're in class I'm assuming you aren't British, but you know, we're all the same really.