Lead scientist doctor Fang Fang Zhang, from Tuft University, said: “It is important to understand the role that the nutrients and its source might play in health outcomes, particularly if the effect might not be beneficial.
“Our results support the idea that, while supplement use contributes to an increased value of total nutrient intake, there are beneficial associations with nutrients from foods that aren’t seen with supplements.
“This study also confirms the importance of identifying the nutrient source when evaluating mortality outcomes.”
The findings came on the heels of previous studies highlighting associations between calcium supplements and a higher risk of dementia and heart attack.