There was an interesting documentary on the BBC tonight, here in the UK, called Prof Regan’s Supermarket Secrets. It followed Professor Lesley Regan (not entirely sure what she’s a professor in) as she investigated whether the health claims made about expensive food and household products are actually scientifically proven. She looked at:

• cholesterol-lowering foods
• organic food
• so-called super foods
• probiotics
• omega fats
• antioxidants
• GM foods
• anti-bacterial cleaners
• low temperature washing powder

Apparently the claims made about cholesterol-lowering foods are backed up by scientific studies. These include products like Benecol and Flora ProActive. However, the professor found that the claims made about organic food, probiotics, antioxidants and super foods are unproven – although in the case of probiotics there is some evidence that they help people who have existing gut problems.

I was particularly interested in the programme’s conclusion that so-called super foods (blueberries, broccoli, pomegranate etc) have no benefit additional to that of other fruits and vegetables. Although a bit sceptical, I’d always thought there might be something in that claim.

It also turns out that taking excessive amounts of vitamins – for example, by eating more foods rich in vitamin C – doesn’t help either. The body seems to take what it needs and not use the rest.

So for healthy individuals, a lot of these expensive products – organic, super, probiotic – don’t appear to have the benefits that the extra cost implies.

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