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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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May 26, 2009 |
A Publication of QVHD |
Vitamin Supplements: Helpful or Harmful?
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
Vitamin headlines are
common: some have purported great victories but these “victories” are
often followed by research negating them. The negative information is
not always reported with the same enthusiasm that the initial research
made.
We are a nation of vitamin supplement-takers, as witnessed by the rows
of products found in most chain stores, grocery stores and pharmacies
and the millions of dollars spent on them. In addition, there are
thousands of web sites on the internet for vitamin sales disguised as
educational web sites. Famous persons unabashedly promote supplements.
But what are the real facts?
Vitamins do play an essential role in the body. They are critical for
metabolism, growth and development, regulation of cell function and a
host of interactions with enzymes, cofactors and other body mechanisms.
There are 13 essential vitamins that the body needs to function. They
are A,C,D,E,K and eight B vitamins (Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin,
Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, B6, B12 and folacin, also known as folate.)
They are all obtained from food, except vitamins D and K, which the body
can synthesize. Vitamin A, which comes from animal sources, can be made
from an element in plants (called a precursor) known as beta carotene.
Vitamin D is absorbed through the skin from the sun. Some foods are also
fortified with Vitamin D.
Americans do not suffer from the vitamin deficiency diseases of the past
(rickets, scurvy and beriberi.) In fact, most people get the recommended
allowances for vitamins from eating a diet with a variety of foods,
including generous servings of fruits and vegetables. (The exceptions
may be for Vitamin D for most persons and folic acid for pregnant women.
These may require supplementation.)
The harm from vitamins comes from the promotion of mega-doses for
treatment or prevention of diseases. In 1994, the law changed on how
vitamins were regulated. Their classification was switched from a drug
to a dietary supplement and therefore was no longer subject to meeting
the same safety and effectiveness standards as in the past. This led to
a huge marketing campaign by vitamin producers. Couple this with the
“hopeful” research on vitamin B and heart attack prevention, vitamin E
and the prevention of Alzheimer's disease, or vitamins A,C and E for
cancer protection, and people began to take large doses. The problem is
that most of these “hopes” have not come to pass. And in fact, very
large doses of these vitamins may cause health problems. When initial
research looks promising, marketing firms for vitamins will jump on the
bandwagon and promote the products. However, when further research
dashes these hopes, the manufacturers do not let you know this. It is up
to you to find out.
What about the daily multivitamin? Should you take one or not? Health
care provider's opinions are split. Many promote this action and many
don't. However, a daily multivitamin is not likely to cause you any harm
and may be helpful for those whose diet is less than desirable.
Don't look for miracle cures in vitamins and supplements because they
just aren't there (yet) and could even be harmful to your health. Look
to your overall diet and eat more fruits and vegetables. Almost all
scientists agree that you can't do harm by eating lots of fruits and
vegetables. For an information packet on vitamins, district residents
can call 248-4528 or request on line,
www.qvhd.org.
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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