Recent studies released to the public have reported that nutritional supplements do not prevent heart disease and cancer(s) and that they promote disease in certain instances. These recent studies do not take an extensive look at the longitudinal findings from past to present nor do they take into consideration proven correlations between supplemental nutrition and the prevention of disease(s). Starting in 2008 Vitamin E was positively correlated to the reduced risk of lung cancer and to the decreased formation of prostate tumors. In 2011 Vitamin C was positively correlated with a reduced incidence of death by heart failure and Vitamin D was positively linked to a reduced incidence of colorectal and breast cancer(s). Furthermore, in 2012 a JAMA reported an eight percent reduction in cancer risk if a multivitamin protocol is adopted.
Media enjoys swaying the public and convincing large majorities to either buy or believe something. What media might want the public to buy or believe may not be healthy, but usually increases the wealth of businesses. When you are gleaning through recent studies, advice, news bites and advertisements, raise a critical eyebrow and read between the lines. Look at funding sources, study designs and the author’s credentials and remember, media is savvy, not necessarily smart. What the media advises is not always what is best and more often than not, what media suggests might decrease your health. Be careful, watch what you read, and listen to your body not businesses.
Sources
- Gaziano JM, Sesso HD, Christen WG et al. Multivitamins in the prevention of cancer in men: the Physicians’ Health Study II randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2012;308(18):1871-80.
- Gluud LL, Simonetti RG, Gluud C et al.. Antioxidant supplements for prevention of mortality in healthy participants and patients with various diseases. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012;(3):CD007176.
