CRN UK response to ITV’s Save Money:

Full statement in response to ITV’s Save Money: Good Health on the use of vitamin supplements (January 31, 2017):

he Council for Responsible Nutrition UK (CRN UK) is a non-profit making trade association representing the food supplement industry in the UK. Food supplements include vitamins, minerals and ‘other substances’ such fish oils and other bioactive substances. CRN UK’s members are the leading manufacturers and suppliers of food supplements and their ingredients. They represent the majority of food supplements found in leading pharmacies and supermarkets in the UK, as well as those sold directly to consumers.

Members of the CRN UK agree it is very important to encourage everyone to consume a healthy balanced and varied diet as well as to live a healthy lifestyle in order to maintain good health as food is the best source of essential vitamins and minerals and other nutrients (such as omega-3 fatty acids).  The Government’s National Diet and Nutritional Survey, however clearly indicates that the majority of the population does not meet even the most basic of recommendations such as, a minimum of 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day or 2 portions of fish per week.

Food supplements can therefore help fill the nutritional gaps for people whose stage of life, busy lifestyle, dislike of certain foods or other food or life choices or events may not always allow them to obtain the full requirement of vitamins, minerals or certain other nutrients from their diet.  It is important to be aware that food supplements from responsible suppliers are safe to consume as recommended, because they are designed to provide levels of nutrients within safe limits even with long-term use.

Food supplements are especially important for children under the age of 5, women planning to become pregnant or who are pregnant, particular members of the population who may not receive sufficient sunlight, and the elderly, whose natural ability to absorb certain essential vitamins from the diet deteriorates over time, often compounded by a lower intake of nutritious food.

Further comments on the study:

It is not possible to comment on the study without any information on the protocol. However, we would like to make the point that the reliability of the results of any dietary study are dependent upon the study duration; selection and control of the subjects; diet control during the study; the sampling procedure and control; the final statistical evaluation of the results; and a number of other factors. Study results can be unreliable if any parts of the protocol are insufficient. If more information on the study protocol could be provided, we would be very happy to provide scientific comments in response.