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By Florence O'Connor

Earlier this week, the Journal of the American Medical Association published a meta-analysis of 84 studies that found something we already sort of knew: vitamins are basically useless.

The studies examined some of the most common dietary supplements on the market—vitamins A, E, and D, calcium, beta-carotene, and a standard multivitamin—and found that they all do essentially nothing when it comes to preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease, or death.

The thing that really stings? Last year US consumers are estimated to have spent almost $50 billion dollars on the stuff. This is more understandable given that the supplement industry spent $900 million dollars on marketing to ensure we believed a gummy a day would brighten our skin, increase our energy and add ten years to our lives. (Can you tell I’ve personally fallen victim to some of those Instagram ads?)

Of course, the studies didn’t look at those more superficial concerns (though the evidence doesn’t seem great). And there are totally legit reasons to take vitamins in limited situations. Folic acid is helpful during pregnancy. So is the ability to address any specific deficiency, like vitamin D.

But for otherwise healthy people? As much as we would love to believe something we can just buy will solve all of our problems, the journal reiterated something else we already knew: It’s all about diet and exercise.

In an editorial accompanying the study, the authors wrote that, “Beyond wasted money, the focus on supplements might be viewed as a potentially harmful distraction. Rather than focusing money, time, and attention on supplements, it would be better to emphasize lower-risk, higher-benefit activities. Individual, public health, public policy, and civic efforts should focus on supporting people in regular preventive care, following a healthful diet, getting exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking.”

This news is kind of a bummer, right? Nothing makes you feel like you have your life together than being that person who has a regular vitamin routine. But it turns out the solution to being a healthy human is even simpler (and cheaper) than a monthly trip to GNC. It’s boring, but it’s true: A balanced diet and regular workout routine is still the best way to improve your physical health. 

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