Clinical dietician with UVA Health helps break down use of supplements

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - A clinical dietitian at UVA Health is helping explain some recent health recommendations to the public.

Katherine Basbaum reviewed research from the Journal of American Medical Association to make it easier for the public to understand. She says it found some over-the-counter vitamin supplements do not prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease like some may have thought.

Dietician Katherine Basbaum says the costs outweigh the benefits of beta carotene when it comes to preventing cardiovascular disease and cancer.

“This is a good reminder that you don’t necessarily need it. It’s not to say that you shouldn’t take it, obviously that’s a conversation with your doctor and looking at interactions with other medications. But it’s just a good reminder that dietary supplements are not a cure-all.” Basbaum said.

She says consumers should be cautious when buying and consuming dietary supplements.

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