Tuesday, November 18, 2008

No proof of vitamin supplements benefits

The findings of a recent, long-term, large-scale study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, show that regular supplements of vitamins C, D and E do not reduce the occurrence of heart attacks, stroke, or breast cancer. Once again, Michael Pollan was right (think myths of nutritionism).

Read a summary of the findings in this LA Times article recently printed in The Sun.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

what about mineral supplements...like iron?

Anonymous said...

Good question. I tend to believe that taking an iron supplement, especially as recommended by a physician - which I think is your case - is a different story. You don't see tons of articles claiming that an iron supplement will protect you from cancer, you know? The argument Pollan makes, and I tend to support, is that the vitamin industry has gotten a little carried away with their claims.

You doctor made a suggestion after testing your blood, so there is a personalized, medical reason for the suggestion. I'd urge you to take that advice as I am sure you have. Same goes for any suggestion made by a doctor. On the other hand, when an article on a website urges you to take 500mg of vitamin C for your immune system and vitamin E for great skin, I'd urge you to ask your doctor or a scientist, or really digg into the research behind the health claims.