Comments on: Disappointing Results From Vitamins C and E http://www.livelongagewell.com/2008/11/30/disappointing-results-regarding-vitamins-c-and-e/ How To Drop Dead Dancing In Your 90s.....by drDave Thu, 23 Jul 2009 21:24:15 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: drDave http://www.livelongagewell.com/2008/11/30/disappointing-results-regarding-vitamins-c-and-e/comment-page-1/#comment-43 drDave Sat, 20 Dec 2008 17:23:31 +0000 http://www.livelongagewell.com/?p=611#comment-43 Greg B thank you for your input. You make a good point that we need to consider the source and form of vitamins used for any study, and the media doesn’t typically reveal that. Most people though, who take vitamins, probably take the types used in these studies; that is, they don’t take the more “natural” forms but the cheaper forms not derived from food sources. So the results of these widely published studies probably apply to them. For example, the vast majority of people who take E take the alpha-tocopherol form, whereas the more expensive (and difficult to find) mixed tocopherol (including gamma) form is probably far superior. It would be great to see more studies done with the more natural forms of vitamins and supplements as double-blinded clinical trials published in peer-reviewed journals. BTW, here’s a link for people who want to read more about the SELECT trial, from the National Cancer Institute: http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/pressreleases/SELECTQandA The issue of supplements and health is SO complex. It’s difficult to parse out all the different factors. That is, a higher or lower dose of the vitamin could easily influence the results and sometimes researchers don’t seem to have a good handle on the best doses to even study, and what was the form and source, and how much and what other vitamins were the subjects getting from other sources in their diet? Was the study a double-blind clinical trial? What was the health and age of the subjects? and more... I think it will take many more years of research to get the final answer on what mix of vitamins/supplements are ideal, if any. It's all very controversial and unsettled now. Hopefully there is a good "mix", especially tailored to one's age and underlying medical condition and illnesses, that will be proven safe and beneficial! Right now it seems that some extra vitamin D and fish oil, for example, for many people are relatively safe and helpful, but all that could change in a couple years. In the meantime, I believe if you want to be safest and even the most natural, try to get your vitamins from a well-rounded diet of full of lots of grains, fruits, and vegetables, and as you imply, trying to avoid processed food as much as possible. Thanks again Greg B for stimulating the discussion. Greg B thank you for your input. You make a good point that we need to consider the source and form of vitamins used for any study, and the media doesn’t typically reveal that. Most people though, who take vitamins, probably take the types used in these studies; that is, they don’t take the more “natural” forms but the cheaper forms not derived from food sources. So the results of these widely published studies probably apply to them. For example, the vast majority of people who take E take the alpha-tocopherol form, whereas the more expensive (and difficult to find) mixed tocopherol (including gamma) form is probably far superior.

It would be great to see more studies done with the more natural forms of vitamins and supplements as double-blinded clinical trials published in peer-reviewed journals.

BTW, here’s a link for people who want to read more about the SELECT trial, from the National Cancer Institute:
http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/pressreleases/SELECTQandA

The issue of supplements and health is SO complex. It’s difficult to parse out all the different factors. That is, a higher or lower dose of the vitamin could easily influence the results and sometimes researchers don’t seem to have a good handle on the best doses to even study, and what was the form and source, and how much and what other vitamins were the subjects getting from other sources in their diet? Was the study a double-blind clinical trial? What was the health and age of the subjects? and more…

I think it will take many more years of research to get the final answer on what mix of vitamins/supplements are ideal, if any. It’s all very controversial and unsettled now. Hopefully there is a good “mix”, especially tailored to one’s age and underlying medical condition and illnesses, that will be proven safe and beneficial! Right now it seems that some extra vitamin D and fish oil, for example, for many people are relatively safe and helpful, but all that could change in a couple years. In the meantime, I believe if you want to be safest and even the most natural, try to get your vitamins from a well-rounded diet of full of lots of grains, fruits, and vegetables, and as you imply, trying to avoid processed food as much as possible. Thanks again Greg B for stimulating the discussion.

]]> By: Greg B http://www.livelongagewell.com/2008/11/30/disappointing-results-regarding-vitamins-c-and-e/comment-page-1/#comment-41 Greg B Sat, 20 Dec 2008 13:12:54 +0000 http://www.livelongagewell.com/?p=611#comment-41 I wish to respectfully share some information regarding the most recent SELECT (selenium/Vit E/Prostate) trial, which was also deemed "doubtful". This information from a renowned selenium expert (see www.drpasswater.com articles) helps to set the record straight. This particular study used synthetic Vit-E (petrochemical sourced), rather than a complex form (sourced from food). Also, the form of selenium used, was not the yeast grown variety, which previous studies have shown to be superior in terms of cancer prevention. To put things into perspective, many, if not most of the studies the mainstream media has considered failures, (and by association the involved vitamins/minerals), the crucial details are left out of the story. Sadly, many of these poorly designed studies are funded with TAXPAYER money. Another example is folic acid's association with colon cancer. The overconsumption of processed food (which are generally fortified with folic acid) is the most likely culprit in this case, yet folic acid, not the poor excuse for food its in, takes the rap. In my mind, until the media reports the pertinent facts, most nutritionally related stories are prime examples of irresponsible journalism. Greg B I wish to respectfully share some information regarding the most recent SELECT (selenium/Vit E/Prostate) trial, which was also deemed “doubtful”. This information from a renowned selenium expert (see http://www.drpasswater.com articles) helps to set the record straight. This particular study used synthetic Vit-E (petrochemical sourced), rather than a complex form (sourced from food). Also, the form of selenium used, was not the yeast grown variety, which previous studies have shown to be superior in terms of cancer prevention. To put things into perspective, many, if not most of the studies the mainstream media has considered failures, (and by association the involved vitamins/minerals), the crucial details are left out of the story. Sadly, many of these poorly designed studies are funded with TAXPAYER money. Another example is folic acid’s association with colon cancer. The overconsumption of processed food (which are generally fortified with folic acid) is the most likely culprit in this case, yet folic acid, not the poor excuse for food its in, takes the rap. In my mind, until the media reports the pertinent facts, most nutritionally related stories are prime examples of irresponsible journalism. Greg B

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