Are you wasting your money on supplements? Most likely, experts say - CNN

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Since its last recommendation in 2014, the task force reviewed 84 studies testing vitamins in almost 700,000 people, including 52 new studies on the topic.

Yet the conclusion remained the same as that of 2014: If you are a healthy, nonpregnant adult, there is "insufficient evidence" of any benefits to extending one's life in taking vitamin E, vitamin D, calcium, vitamin A, beta carotene,vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin C and selenium.

However, there is enough evidence to recommend against the use of beta carotene supplements, which the body turns into vitamin A, to prevent cardiovascular disease or cancer "because of a possible increased risk of mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and lung cancer," the task force said.

Nor should people take vitamin E "because it probably has no net benefit in reducing mortality, cardiovascular disease, or cancer," the task force said.

"Lifestyle counseling to prevent chronic diseases in patients should continue to focus on evidence-based approaches, including balanced diets that are high in fruits and vegetables and physical activity," said Dr.

Pregnant women should take a daily supplement containing 0.4 to 0.8 milligrams (400 to 800 micrograms) of folic acid to prevent neural tube birth defects, according to a separate recommendation from the task force.

People with limited access to healthy food choices or who have certain medical conditions or anyone over the age of 65 may need to focus on adding specific micronutritents to their diet, experts say.

Some seniors may need additional supplementation of vitamin B12 and B6 as absorption of those vitamins from food fades as we age.

Because the elderly often get less sun than younger ages, they may need additional vitamin D, but levels should be checked by a doctor, as too much D can be harmful.

Many postmenopausal women take supplements to reduce fractures, but in 2018 the task force found vitamin D combined with calcium had no effect on the incidence of fractures in postmenopausal women.