Multivitamins—a Health Hazard?
Some bad news for all you guys out there dutifully downing a daily multivitamin: They don't work and are possibly hurting you, reports March's Harvard Men's Health Watch. Harvey Simon, that newsletter's editor, has launched a fusillade against "vitamania" with an article suggesting that men abandon the notion that those little brown pills are harmless insurance policies against chronic diseases. Rather, he argues, men (and women, too) should consider evidence that multivitamins could be hastening the growth of tumors.
Vitamania, the Harvard newsletter notes, came to the fore in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when a series of observational studies (which aren't rigorous and cannot prove cause and effect) showed that certain antioxidants, including vitamins A, E, and C, could protect against heart disease, cancer, and other maladies. Those studies, along with a permissive 1994 law called the Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act that allowed manufacturers to sell supplements without first proving that they provide health benefits, spurred a booming multibillion-dollar supplement industry.
It turns out that those original antioxidant studies were wrong, more recent randomized studies that do prove cause and effect have shown. New Scientist slogs through some of the disappointing findings, for example, on beta carotene, vitamin E, and vitamin C. In most instances, the clinical trials have shown that vitamins have no effect and, in some, that they may even cause harm. Just today, new evidence emerged linking vitamin E supplements to an increased risk of lung cancer. Likewise, recent clinical trials have dashed hopes for vitamins B6 and B12. And concern has fallen especially hard on the B vitamin folate. As we reported in August, researchers are increasingly wary that megadoses of folate—which many foods are fortified with—promote colon cancer. The extra folate from a multivitamin, Simon believes, could be enough to push men into danger.
Simon has ditched his multivitamin. (Though he does recommend sticking with vitamin D, one vitamin for which the link to health benefits has not yet crumbled.) For me, too, the choice is easy. I've long been convinced that the smartest and safest way to get all the antioxidants and vitamins I need at doses my body can handle is by eating a balanced diet rich in plants, whole grains, and legumes—without the help of supplements. My parents taught me as much when I was a kid, and many of the nutritionists I've interviewed for U.S. News are coming to the same conclusion: that real foods (fresh fruits and vegetables especially) are far superior sources of vitamins and minerals than supplements.
But I wouldn't expect multivitamins to go down without a fight. The supplement industry is sure to fire back with a slew of evidence showing that multivitamins are helpful. And top nutritionists, such as Harvard University's Walter Willett, have endorsed daily multivitamins in the past.
Where do you stand?
Tags: men's health | vitamins
Tools: 
Share
|
| Comments (16)
Reader Comments
scurvy
Dear Sir,
Vitamins were originally introduced as a protection against scurvy and other nutrition-related diseases. Are we really going to obsess about the newest study making some obscure point about a most probably miniscule side effect about vitamins when we know that vitamins are an integral part of every person's diet? Unfortunately, many people in the USA do not have perfect diets--lack of time or education prevents them. If the newest scare prevents these people from eating supplements as well then we could have an outbreak of scurvy on our hands!
Multivitamins...Hmmmm
I know when I take a multivitamin, I feel no different. I'm told I need to take it though because I'm allergic to all antibiotics. Vitamins are, apparently, my last line of defense. I make it a point though to eat vegetables and fruit every day though, because I have had suspicions about vitamins.
We screw up everything natural. Same thing, I'm sure with vitamins. Cancer rates keep going up like crazy. We can thank Dow Jones and other biochemical companies for this, I'm sure.
Natural Vs Synthetic
I do believe that the best way is to eat a balanced diet of toxin-free foods (pesticides, antibiotics and other chemicals). Unfortunately, left to our own devises, it's quite difficult to eat right. And eating the right amount of organic food can be very expensive. Really think about what you eat daily: bagels, cereals, pizza, pasta, sodas.... all empty carbs, processed foods. I don't believe in synthetic vitamins that are made of petroleum byproduct. I haven't heard of anyone who benefited from that. But I have hugely benefited from taking natural supplements: vitamins made of real fruits and veggies. I haven't had a cold in 5 years and I have so much more energy. You just have to be smart about what type of vitamins you take.
Vitamins and Dietary Supplements
Since Vitamins labeled as dietary supplements as well as all dietary supplements, are not required to be tested for either safety or efficacy under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, many of these products do not contain what the label claims and on occassion, contain ingredients that are not on the label and dangerous.
For example, a search of Medline reveals numerous reports about herbal products containing heavy metals including arsenic and mercury.
Calcium supplements were found to contain high levels of lead. Instead of requiring that manufacturers warn the consumer, the FDA allowed industry to remove the amount of lead over time pursuant to a agreement that was worked out. Who knows if the problem has been solved.
Fortunately, the notion that "If It Is natural It Is Safe" is starting to be questioned as more articles from reputable sources are published.
In short, the consumer needs to realize that dietary supplements are not approved or tested by the FDA, are not tested for safety by the companies that manufacturer them, can contain ingredients that if used in a food or drug would make the food or drug adulterated, are not tested or evaluated for efficacy and have been known to contain heavy metals and other contaminants like lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium.
The phrase "Caveat Emptor' is the rule that is applicable to dietary supplements.
If you are taking a dietary supplement, tell your doctor. Many medications listed in the PDR are finally staring to warn about the risks of taking certain herbs and certain medications. Older people are especially at risk.
Until recently, doctors never asked about a patients use of these products. As a result, many adverse events never get reported.
Until recently, dietary supplement companies had no duty to report adverse events or consumer complaints.
In short, the fact that you may not be able to find information about adverse events does not mean they do not exist. I know, my wife died from a dietary supplement and the company is still claiming that they have not received any serious complaints of injury. Even after another young woman died and a death certificate was sent to the company stating the their product cause her death, they still claim that the prodfuct is a safe all natural tea.
Caveat Emptor.
Are we over medicating with Vitamins?
Vitamins may be helpful, but they should be considered a supplement and not a replacement for vitamins. Too many vitamins contain to much of cetain vitamins that can build up in your system. This could possible become worse if you do eat a healthy diet. I myself feel that vitamins supplements used to maintain health will probably do little more then a placebo in helping your health. I guess you can't cheat a balanced diet of good vitamin filled foods. Again, no magic pill to fix everything.
I for one will consider taking a multi vitamin when I feel I may need extra vitamins. Such as being sick or under unusual stress. Even if I felt I did eat right for the day. I think we are begining to realize that we cannot accurately monitor what vitamins our body needs and what is too much. Maybe better health comes from less vitamin supplements?
The pendulum swings again
I think it's important to note that the article talks about 'megadoses' of vitamins rather than sensible supplements for those who do not eat sensibly all the time. While the writer's smug, self-satisfied glorification of eating fruits and vegetables is most likely the BEST source for vitamins, it's not the only source. Not everyone can eat a balanced diet all the time. Overdoing anything is never a good idea, but let's not throw out the baby with the bath here by condemning ALL vitamins supplements beyond vitamin D. Vitamins in moderation have never been proven unhealthful in any way. And the unhealthful effects of insufficient vitamin intake are well established. The article should have mentioned that it's better to take a sensible supplement than a megadose and to not abandon sense when dealing with supplements.
Bad science?
My question is this: disregarding "mega-doses", if you can get, say 100 mg of Beta Carotine from eating a carrot, why would taking 100 mg in pill form without eating the carrot be bad for you? Saying all vitamins are linked to cancer but only in pill form, doesn't make sense. Perhaps more study should be done before a blanket statement is issued or report. Something along the lines of, "Vitamins are bad and here's why..." and then explain how they are metabolized and cause cancer. Its funny that the doctor advocated use of vitamin D, a vitamin that is produced from exposure to sunlight. So wouldn't taking it in supplement form BE a megadose, and therefor bad?
Yet another test...
I'll keep taking my vitamins, then feel vindicated in a year when the next study comes out telling us that multivitamins are essential to healthy living.
Not sure if that'll be before or after the next artificial sweetener, coffee, red wine, diet soda, or whatever study, but it'll come along soon enough.
Everything in moderation
I take vitamins as I do alcohol or over the counter drugs - in constant moderation. Vitamins ARE good for you, just not every day. 2-3x a week is enough. I also take a 6oz glass of wine 2-3x a week. I do not get drunk nor suffer alcohol poisoning from such low consumption. The key is to be smart and not go overboard on any one thing. Salt is necessary to life, but too much and it too becomes a poison. Even water can be toxic if overdone as a recent college death proved. I eat steak once a week, veggies 5-6x week, oatmeal 4-5x weekly, dairy products every other day, hold coffee down to 12oz/day and so on. With wine or beer for example, one 6-12oz serving is excellent for your health. The 3rd one however, is poisonous to your body. Everything in moderation.
You do realize...
...that this study was just another of those observational cohort studies that we the public are generally told "mean nothing" right?
In the research community it doesn't go over well when you spend lots of money and find absolutely nothing of significance. In order to save face, it's not uncommon for researchers to "adjust" their data just a wee bit in this type of situation. Do you think these researchers would be able to obtain future funding after such a large-scale failure had they NOT found something of significance?
I also find it interesting that you failed to mention that over 90% of the study participants used a petroleum-based synthetic vitamin E as dl-alpha tocopherol. This form of vitamin E has been shown to be both chemically different and vastly inferior in terms of efficacy when compared to natural d-alpha tocopherol.
P.S. Anyone not well versed in statistics should read the book "How to Lie with Statisics" by Darrell Huff. It's an intersting perspective on how easy it really is to manipulate numbers.
Multivitamins - A Health Hazard?
I am a healthy 84 year old male who has been taking a multivitamin and Vitamin E (200 I.U.) tablet daily for at least 50 years. In recent years I have added additional vitamin and mineral supplements. I have outlived most of my school and WWII veteran friends. I remain very active in my community, mentally and physically. The same is true of my wife of 63 years (she no longer takes birth control pills).
I determined a long time ago, in the scientific community, the best way to get published is to contradict established thought with a new "study."
I will take this report seriously after it has been the subject of more thorough study, by other respected medical scientists.
Individualized approach
Some of you hit it right on the button. Some vitamins are made synthetically with both isomere's of the vitamin; one of which is not usable by our cells. The dl form means that the company is using both forms in their product, hence why it is better to find vitamins that contain only one form (the usable one 'd'). Also, the capsule itself or even binders/fillers in tablets can be the most harmful parts of a vitamin supplement. Certain products contain phthalates which are found in soft plastics that are considered environmental xenoestrogens, which have been linked to various health concerns. Different people require different amounts of vitamins depending on their requirements on a particular day or even time of day, which is why smaller dosages throughout the day might be more effective than say a one-a-day. In addition, different dosaging is required depending on the individual and their concern. I agree that these products are supplements, not substitutes. Nothing can take away from pure fresh fruits, vegetables, wholesome grains, or clean protein, but in their proper forms and dosages can be extremelly useful for people who are having an off day in terms of diet or who have specific health concerns.
Pros and Cons of antioxidants
Everything is poison it just depends on the dose
Paracelsus
Already in 1994 Barry Halliwell a well-known British scientist published a paper with the provocative title: Vitamin C: a key to health or a slow-acting carcinogen?
In 2000 I published an extensive monograph: Reactive Oxygen Metabolites. Chemistry and Medical Consequences, CRC Press (Francis and Taylor), Boca Raton, FL (1508 references!). In this text I discuss in great detail the chemistry of radicals and the pros and cons of antioxidants (Yin-Yang). In 2007 I published a more compact book: “Life and Death in an Oxygen Atmosphere” at Booksurge.com an Amazon.com company. This more recent book is a simplified version of the first book, directed to medical professionals and the general public.
After reading the article about the health warning by Dr. Simon of Harvard Men’s Health Watch I ask myself: so what else is new?
Vitamin Pill shave no Health Benefits!
A Case Study: Juice Plus
In 1994, when I was Health Editor of Vogue magazine. I read a report that Juice Plus contains many of the important nutritional constituents of the fresh fruits and vegetables from which it is made. I hadn't heard of anything like it before (frankly, I never really looked!. In any event, )I decided to try it since I was not consuming enough of the natural products in my daily diet. Since then, most of my family and I have been taking these capsules regularly. Subsequently, I learned that several randomized, double blinded, and placebo-controlled studies had been done on this product and the findings were, for the most part, consistent with the current scientific thinking that fruits and vegetables are good for you.
Just for the record, I have never had any financial interest in the company other than having been being paid for two unrelated talks at their company meetings some 10 and 14 years ago.
Let me emphasize that these capsules are not a substitute for eating fruits and vegetables. They are not meant to be taken instead of food, but only to complement a diet that does not contain them in optimum amounts. The innumerable anecdotal stories of how well people feel are not a substitute for scientific studies, of which there are several valid ones.
Juice Plus is very effectively marketed, and its sales personnel are inspired and enthusiastic. From time to time, I hear some questions raised about whether Juice Plus is all it's cracked up to be (usually from a competitor (whether they identify themselves as such or not). That's part of the game in a free society. One of the criticisms is that much of the clinical research conducted on this product has been funded by NSA, its manufacturer. That's essentially true. However, it's reasonable for manufacturers to sponsor research on their products as long as the conclusions are subject to the checks and balances of internal review boards and their conclusions are reviewed by a peer review panel of scientists prior to publication. Although some of the clinical research conducted on this product has been funded by NSA, I understand that there is at least one ongoing clinical trial currently being done by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health.
I have heard complaints that Juice Plus has little or no fiber. That's true because water and some of the fiber in the fruits and vegetables is removed in order to convert the juice into a concentrated powder. While some fiber is restored to the capsule, it is not marketed either as a fiber supplement or as a substitute for eating more fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Given the high cost of prescription drugs, the growing awareness of the connection between diet and disease, and the growing number of nutritional products on the market today, Americans should take a look at supplements such as Juice Plus - but it's important to do it correctly. And pay no attention to information written by anyone who chooses to remain anonymous.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Juice Plus+ Just Take It! www.energynutrition.net
Add your thoughts
Your comment will be posted immediately, unless it is spam or contains profanity. For more information, please see our comment guidelines.advertisement
iTunes
RSS
multivitamins
recently I had a cat scan.. thay found mutiple subcentimeter pulmonary nadules..the doctor said the pulmonary nodules could be inflammatory or neoplastic.. follow up in 6 months..
My question is "I take a lot of vitimin's, could the nodules be from vitimins??"
Feb 29, 2008 20:42:54 PM [permalink] [report comment]