An article from a few years ago in the Washington Post reported the same finding: that multivitamins don't provide a clear benefit for reducing risk of chronic diseases.
However, the researchers did find "three situations in which vitamins or other supplements appear to offer a clear protective edge":
"1) Prevention of birth defects of the brain and spine by giving women of child-bearing age folic acid, one of the B vitamins -- what one panel member called a "home run." Since 1998, food has been fortified with folic acid. Women who plan to become pregnant are urged to boost folic acid intake to help prevent spina bifida and other neural tube defects.
2) Reduction of macular degeneration, one of the leading causes of age-related blindness. A 2001 federally funded study by the National Eye Institute concluded that diet supplementation with vitamins C and E, beta carotene and the minerals zinc and copper reduced the risk of vision loss in people with early signs of macular degeneration. No effect on cataracts was reported.
3) Lowering the risk of bone fractures in post-menopausal women through calcium and Vitamin D supplements."
I have not taken multivitamins with the thought that I was lowering my risk of cancer, but I did have the expectation that I was helping my bones be healthier and provide nutrients that I may not be eating through fruits and veggies. I'm surprised that there was no cardiovascular disease-prevention benefit found, but there are some questions as to the validity of the study. I also take a vitamin that has trace minerals, which were not studied. Interesting article!
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An article from a few years ago in the Washington Post reported the same finding: that multivitamins don't provide a clear benefit for reducing risk of chronic diseases.
However, the researchers did find "three situations in which vitamins or other supplements appear to offer a clear protective edge":
"1) Prevention of birth defects of the brain and spine by giving women of child-bearing age folic acid, one of the B vitamins -- what one panel member called a "home run." Since 1998, food has been fortified with folic acid. Women who plan to become pregnant are urged to boost folic acid intake to help prevent spina bifida and other neural tube defects.
2) Reduction of macular degeneration, one of the leading causes of age-related blindness. A 2001 federally funded study by the National Eye Institute concluded that diet supplementation with vitamins C and E, beta carotene and the minerals zinc and copper reduced the risk of vision loss in people with early signs of macular degeneration. No effect on cataracts was reported.
3) Lowering the risk of bone fractures in post-menopausal women through calcium and Vitamin D supplements."
I have not taken multivitamins with the thought that I was lowering my risk of cancer, but I did have the expectation that I was helping my bones be healthier and provide nutrients that I may not be eating through fruits and veggies. I'm surprised that there was no cardiovascular disease-prevention benefit found, but there are some questions as to the validity of the study. I also take a vitamin that has trace minerals, which were not studied. Interesting article!
December 28, 2008 - 7:31pmThis Comment
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