AsianScientist (Apr. 25, 2011) – A Taiwanese study has found that people taking dietary multivitamin supplements are more likely to make unhealthy choices compared to people who do not take supplements.
The experimental set up involved two groups of people. One group was told that they would be given a dietary supplement, while the other group was instructed to take a placebo.
In reality, however, both groups received a placebo.
Analysis of the results showed that the dietary supplement group was more likely to make unhealthy choices, such as preferring buffets over a healthy meal, and walking less.
Overall, the study revealed a misconception that by taking supplements, an individual is leading a healthy lifestyle and does not need to watch what they eat or attempt to exercise. Hence, lead author Wen-Bin Chiou recommends that individuals taking multivitamin supplements monitor their lifestyle as well.
“People who rely on dietary supplement use for health protection may pay a hidden price, the curse of licensed self-indulgence. After taking dietary supplements in the morning, individuals should diligently monitor whether illusory invulnerability is activated by restored health credentials and subsequently licenses health-risk behaviors,” Chiou said.
The article was published in Psychological Science, and was a joint collaboration between National Sun Yat-Sen University and Southern Taiwan University.
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Source: Association for Psychological Science.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.
