A large-scale recent study suggests that dietary supplements and multivitamins actually provides little benefit to health and in some cases may be even harmful, specifically in the case of middle-aged women. Other studies have also linked certain vitamins and supplements such as vitamin E, with an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. Before you throw away your vitamins, read this article and discover if it really worth you take dietary supplements.
Vitamins and minerals are important for staying healthy. Each has a specific function in the body. When we lack, we see its effects, such as the weakening (osteoporosis) bone calcium deficiency. A balanced diet usually gives us vitamins and minerals we need daily. But there is an ever increasing trend in the population to take them as tablets or pills, and without medical supervision, believing that in this way will be healthier and be better protected against diseases like cancer. According to estimates by government agencies, at least half of U.S. adults take vitamins, minerals and other supplements. This large group of consumers invest in your purchase about $ 11.8 billion dollars a year.
And you are also taking any supplements or vitamins that your doctor tells you? If so, you should reconsider, because there are several studies indicating that most of these substances offer little or no health benefit to most people, and in some cases may even be harmful.
For example, a group of researchers from the University of Eastern Finland (Finland) and Minnesota, United States, found that use of multivitamins and vitamin and mineral supplements may be associated with an increased risk of premature death, specifically among postmenopausal elderly women. The results of the study were included in a recent report in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
To reach these conclusions, the researchers analyzed data from more than 39 000 women who tracked for an average of 19 years (1986 to 2004). Women had 62 years on the date of commencement of the study and all belonged to the same ethnic group (white). Also controlled for other factors such as age, diet, weight, habits like smoking and preexisting conditions to isolate the impact of vitamins and minerals. The study examined the effect of vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, copper, calcium and magnesium, folic acid and vitamin B6.
When comparing mortality rates among women who took supplements and those not taken, they found that those taking multivitamins the risk of premature death increased by 2.4%. The stronger association with the risk of early death occurred with iron, which is often prescribed for people with anemia. Among women who took iron supplements can be detected 3.9% more likely to die at a younger age than those who did not.
Does this mean that doctors should stop prescribing iron or who have anemia should stop taking it? No, absolutely not! On the contrary, we all need iron to Buy Phen375 maintain good health. The problem is that there must be a balanced amount and if you take iron (or other supplements) on your own and without medical supervision, you may be taking longer than you need.
The only supplement that was left out of this list is the calcium that keeps bones strong and is used to avoid problems such as osteoporosis, and the study was associated with a lower risk of death (if taken in excess can cause other problems, as kidney stones).
These data are extremely important when one considers that, according to records obtained, the use of supplements by the population has increased from 63% in 1986, when the study began, 85% in 2004. Also, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, for its acronym in English) United States, the use of these substances has also increased between 1994 and 2006, from 42 to 53%.
Similarly, another study was done in 2009, which saw some 161 000 postmenopausal women, found that multivitamin use does not eliminate the risk of getting cancer or heart problems, nor decreased the death rate.
Another case in which the vitamins proved to have a negative effect is that referring to excess vitamin E, which would increase the chances of men developing prostate cancer.
And these are just some examples. Research on the effects of supplements in health are varied and the results tend to be similar. For example:
A January 2009 editorial in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute noted that most studies concerning the vitamins showed no benefits in cases of cancer, and other unexpected damage. Two studies on beta carotene found high rates of lung cancer. Another study suggested an increased risk of precancerous polyps in people taking folic acid than those who did not.
Previously, in 2007, the Journal of the American Medical Association reviewed mortality rates in randomized trials of antioxidant supplements. In 47 trials involving 181 000 participants, the mortality rate was 5% higher among those taking antioxidants.
Recently, doctors at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (New York), warned that vitamin C appears to protect both healthy cells as cancer cells.
A review in the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine of 19 clinical trials of vitamin E among some 135 000 people showed that high doses (more than 400 IUs) increased the risk of mortality among participants at 4%.
In October 2004, researchers from Copenhagen, Denmark, reviewed seven randomized trials of beta carotene, selenium and vitamins A, C and E (alone or in combination) in relation to cancer of the colon, esophagus, stomach , pancreas and liver. Those who took antioxidants had a mortality rate 6% higher than those taking placebos.
Either way, the researchers agree on the importance of vitamins and minerals in health, and emphasize that the best way to take them is through food. However, they are aware that many people do not follow a balanced diet, and most do not consume the amount of fruits and vegetables recommended.
There are good reasons why the doctor may indicate taking vitamins:
Folic acid for women planning a pregnancy, or during pregnancy to prevent birth defects
Calcium and vitamin D in premenopausal women and menopausal women to strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis
Vitamins for vegetarians
Specific medical cases
Experts from the Division of Dietary Supplement Programs of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) warn those who decide to buy that today they consist of much more than vitamins and minerals, which also include herbs, botanical products, amino acids and enzymes. Among its recommended care:
Consult your doctor or specialist before consuming
If the doctor recommends, taking the form and the prescribed dose. Taking a “megadose” will not heal faster and it can hurt you
No substitute for and / or combined with other medicines
No self-prescribed. What benefits one person, may be counterproductive in another
Beware of promises of certain products, especially the promises of quick cures and effects radical or “miraculous.”
Do not take expired vitamins. Always check the expiration date
Once again we remind you that health is not playing. Consult a professional before taking any medicine or supplement, although not requiring a prescription, especially if you are taking other medicines or have any previous health condition such as diabetes, hypertension or kidney disease. Make your priority to take vitamins and minerals you need, but with an emphasis on a balanced and varied diet. And before buying a product that could interfere with your diet and your body, it is preferable that you do a general health check and ask your doctor if it is really worth that you take vitamins or supplements in pill or powder or if the’re getting from your diet.