The truth about vitamin supplements

The truth about vitamin supplements

Author: ZOE November 24, 2022 Duration: 49:01
Good information about vitamins is hard to find. With over 70% of Americans and 40% of Brits using them, it's a hugely lucrative market, which means numerous voices in the media and online pusing a pro-vitamin agenda. All without the scientific evidence to support their claims.  So do we need vitamins to lead a healthy life? Or could these supplements actually cause serious health complications? In this episode, Jonathan speaks with Prof. JoAnn Manson and Dr. Sarah Berry to better understand how vitamin supplements affect our health. JoAnn Manson is a professor of epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health and one of the world's most cited researchers. She’s run multiple enormous studies with over 20,000 participants to uncover the real effects of vitamin supplementation on our health. Dr. Sarah Berry is one of the world's leading experts on human nutrition, who has personally run over 20 randomized clinical trials looking at how humans respond to different fats. Download our FREE guide — Top 10 Tips to Live Healthier: https://zoe.com/freeguide Timecodes: 00:00 - Introduction 02:29 - Quickfire questions 04:27 - Why are people confused about supplements? 05:17 - Which supplement does the majority of the population benefit from taking and why? 05:51 - What are dietary supplements and vitamins? 09:33 - Why is there so much advertising suggesting supplements? 10:54 - JoAnn’s research 14:07 - About vitamin C 15:15 - Megadosing 19:51 - VITAL and COSMOS trials 25:13 - Should we take vitamin D 27:37 - Omega-3 32:48 - Variation & personalization 36:51 - Actionable advice on supplements 38:45 - Should children take supplements? 42:13 - Should we all take a standard dose multivitamin? 44:54 - Summary 46:25 - Goodbyes 46:57 - Outro Episode transcripts are available here. Check the trials mentioned in today’s episode: AREDS 2, COSMOS, Physicians' Health Study II, VITAL Follow Sarah: https://twitter.com/saraheeberry Follow ZOE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoe/ This podcast was produced by Fascinate Productions.

Ever feel like the advice on eating well shifts with the wind? ZOE Science & Nutrition cuts through the noise by going straight to the source. Each conversation, hosted by Jonathan Wolf, sits down with leading researchers who are actually shaping our understanding of the human body, particularly the profound role of gut health. This isn't about quick fixes or fad diets; it's a deep and accessible exploration of the science itself. You'll hear these experts break down complex studies on nutrition and metabolism, then translate those findings into clear, actionable steps you can consider for your own life. The discussions span how food impacts everything from your energy levels and immune system to long-term weight management and disease prevention. Tuning into this podcast feels like having a direct line to the frontiers of nutritional science, all presented in a grounded, engaging way that makes even the most intricate topics relatable. It’s for anyone who’s curious about the real reasons behind why we eat what we eat and how those choices fundamentally shape our health.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 304

ZOE Science & Nutrition
Podcast Episodes
Can NASA research help fight cancer? | Dr Jessica Scott [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:03
What do astronauts and cancer patients have in common? Jonathan explores this fascinating connection with Dr. Jessica Scott, learning how six decades of NASA research is being used to help the recovery of cancer survivor…
Obesity and the new science of weight loss | Dr. Louis J Aronne [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:15
Obesity is a physiological condition that can be managed with the right education and treatment. In today's episode, Dr. Louis J. Aronne, a leading expert in obesity research, sheds light on the science behind weight man…
Remembering Michael Mosley: 4 habits that changed his life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:07
After the tragic news of Michael Mosley's passing, we are re-releasing our episode with him, originally released in March 2023: If you had to do just one thing to improve your health, what would it be? Our busy lives mea…
Menstruation: Science, medicine and mythology [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:10
Periods are taboo! Despite the fact that half of the world’s population experience them. This taboo has led to countless myths around the topic. “The internet’s gynecologist” Dr. Jen Gunter is here to usher in a new era…
Why dementia could start in your blood vessels with Dr. William Li [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:33
55 million people suffer dementia worldwide with numbers expected to double every 20 years. Understanding the link between our heart health and brain function is critical, illuminating the profound impact that heart heal…
How inflammation could age you with Prof. Philip Calder [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:57
Inflammation is a complicated topic. Short-term inflammation plays an essential role in fighting infections and healing injuries. But too much inflammation can be a catalyst for chronic ailments, like heart disease, type…