In everyday practice, supplement prescriptions—multivitamins, vitamin D, calcium, antioxidants have become almost reflexive. While correcting true deficiencies is essential, evidence suggests that routine supplementation in asymptomatic, well-nourished individuals offers minimal proven benefit. Often, these prescriptions are driven by perceived preventive value rather than clear clinical indications. The issue extends beyond limited efficacy.
Excessive or prolonged use can carry risks from hypervitaminosis with fat-soluble vitamins to potential cardiovascular concerns with high calcium intake. More importantly, blanket supplementation may shift focus away from addressing modifiable factors like diet quality, sun exposure, and lifestyle behaviours that have a stronger evidence base. Current recommendations increasingly emphasize selective, need-based supplementation guided by risk…
