DID YOU KNOW?

I’m pretty sceptical about the benefits of regularly taking vitamin pills and supplements. But there’s a side effect I never suspected.

Researchers in Taiwan say people who routinely pop the tablets become complacent about their health – and so make less healthy choices in daily life (e.g. opting for chips instead of a salad).

Half of Taiwan’s population takes some kind of supplement, but the general health of the nation remains static.

A separate US study found that women who regularly take supplements seem to be at higher risk of cancers, though there is no direct proof of cause and effect.