Vitamins: Helpful or Harmful?

The research about benefits and risks of supplemental vitamins continues to be discouraging. Unfortunately this is probably the worst year in the last five for bad news. Despite the growing evidence of destructive forces in our habits and lifestyles there is little hope that multivitamins or antioxidant supplements serve any purpose other than draining our wallets. A multibillion dollar industry revolves around our collective beliefs to the contrary. According to industry sources in 2011, over $9 billion was spent on vitamins and supplements in the U.S.

Existing scientific research as well as recent publications, agree that most popular supplements do not decrease the risk of mortality or disease. In fact several commonly used dietary vitamin and mineral supplements, including multivitamins, vitamins B6, and folic acid, as well as minerals iron, magnesium, zinc, and copper, were associated with a higher risk of total mortality in 40,000 women studied over seven years. Vitamin E once thought to have a protective effect in men is associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer.

The use of vitamin and mineral supplements as a preventive measure in the average person does not work. Supplements do not replace or add to the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables and may actually cause unwanted health consequences. The reasons for the difference between taking supplements and just eating a healthier diet remain unclear. Speculation and active research to elucidate the important factors are plentiful. But the fact remains there is more potential for harm and no evidence of benefit. It is worth reminding ourselves that the vitamin/supplement industry has little objective regulation of product safety or efficacy. Federal agencies forbid manufacturers from making medical claims but do little else to assure purity or integrity of the products.

The potential benefits of antioxidants against heart disease, cancer and aging is embedded in our culture and our scientific research. Yet thoughtful studies have failed to show any measureable difference in outcome or benefits to a sense of wellbeing. I have previously mentioned a few specific situations when targeted supplements deserve merit. The benefit of folic acid for pregnant women, calcium and Vitamin D for bone strength in both older women and men are well established. Preliminary research for the current darling of supplements Vitamin D is equally discouraging. The early results from studies still in progress, have failed to show any effect of Vitamin D preventing heart disease, strokes or cancer. It may be 2017 before we get a more complete picture.

Contrary to popular belief and claims that such an effect exists, long-term supplementation with antioxidant vitamins and minerals has no beneficial effect on the general population of adults or children while raising more questions about their safety. Do not waste your time, money or health on any supplement without consulting your health care provider for advice.

As a physician with over thirty years of diverse clinical experience, Dr Kaler recently published the Owners Manual for Injury Prevention by Bruce Kaler M.D. It is a user friendly guide to understanding prevention and injury care. He also authored a mystery novel Turnabout by Bruce Kaler M.D. an engaging medical thriller and must read for all mystery buffs. Both are available through Amazon.com, Smashwords.com and many other retail outlets. Visit his website http://seattledoc.com

By Bruce Kaler M.D.