New Delhi: Here’s a word of caution for those who pop vitamin pills with or without doctor’s advice. The pills, often prescribed as a dietary supplement, have been found to play no role in preventing heart risk in an international study published in the latest issue of the British Medical Journal (BMJ). Its efficacy in making up for lack of nutritions, in case of unhealthy eating habits, has also come under question.

The multivitamin market in India is estimated to be valued at Rs 3,000 crore. Experts say it mainly targets urban consumers, who are becoming increasingly aware of health issues and take these pills to beat their stressful lifestyle, pollution and digestive complaints. Many people take them to reduce the risk of heart diseases and cancer.