Taking vitamins ‘WON’T protect against heart attacks or stroke – and could do more harm than good’

TAKING multivitamins and mineral supplements does not prevent heart attacks or strokes, a major review has found.

And researchers say the pills could do some elderly people more harm than good.

Scientists analysed 18 studies, covering two million people who were followed for an average of 12 years.

Experts said there were “no shortcuts” to a healthy heart, and suggested a healthy diet and plenty of exercise instead.

Study leader Dr Joonseok Kim, of Alabama University, said: “I hope our study findings help decrease the hype around multivitamins and mineral supplements.

“More proven methods to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease include eating more fruit and vegetables, exercising and avoiding tobacco.”

Victoria Taylor, from the British Heart Foundation, added: “Supplements are not a replacement for healthy food.”

A separate review found that taking vitamin D tablets does not protect against dementia, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.

Prof Mark Hutchinson, of Adelaide University, said: “It appears vitamin D is not going to be the miracle ‘sunshine tablet’ solution for brain disorders some were hoping for.”