So now vitamins and low-fat foods are bad for you?

Published: 06 March 2007

Vitamin supplements and low-fat dairy products have come under attack by scientists in two separate studies, casting doubt over the benefits of some of Britain’s most popular health food products.

Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that regular consumption of vitamins A, E and beta carotene may actually increase the risk of dying. This overturns earlier research claiming that they could protect against heart disease and cancer.

Meanwhile, a Harvard Medical School study published in the Journal of Human Reproduction indicates that by eating low-fat foods to avoid heart disease and obesity, women may end up with fertility problems instead.