M
meateater
Guest
An estimated 35 percent of U.S. adults take multivitamins regularly, but according to Harvard researchers, this could be causing more harm than good.
The researchers cited studies showing that antioxidant supplements do not protect against cancer or heart disease, and may actually cause harm in some cases. They also reported that recent clinical trials show that B-vitamin supplements (B6, B12 and folic acid) do not prevent heart disease.
One study even found an increased risk of cancer among people taking large amounts of folic acid (who were also at an increased risk of the disease), and other research has also suggested that folic acid may have contributed to rising rates of colorectal cancer in the United States and Canada.
The researchers pointed out that while government-mandated folic acid fortification in U.S. grain products has reduced the rate of spinal cord birth defects, it may, when coupled with a multivitamin, increase your risk of cancer.
"There is no proof that a daily multivitamin is harmful,? the Harvard newsletter concluded. ?Still, it now seems possible that the high levels of folic acid achieved by well-intentioned people who take a multivitamin and eat healthful foods could increase the risk of colorectal and possible prostate and breast cancers."
Sources:
Natural Foods Mechandiser March 4, 2008
Harvard Men?s Health Watch March 2008
The researchers cited studies showing that antioxidant supplements do not protect against cancer or heart disease, and may actually cause harm in some cases. They also reported that recent clinical trials show that B-vitamin supplements (B6, B12 and folic acid) do not prevent heart disease.
One study even found an increased risk of cancer among people taking large amounts of folic acid (who were also at an increased risk of the disease), and other research has also suggested that folic acid may have contributed to rising rates of colorectal cancer in the United States and Canada.
The researchers pointed out that while government-mandated folic acid fortification in U.S. grain products has reduced the rate of spinal cord birth defects, it may, when coupled with a multivitamin, increase your risk of cancer.
"There is no proof that a daily multivitamin is harmful,? the Harvard newsletter concluded. ?Still, it now seems possible that the high levels of folic acid achieved by well-intentioned people who take a multivitamin and eat healthful foods could increase the risk of colorectal and possible prostate and breast cancers."
Sources:
Natural Foods Mechandiser March 4, 2008
Harvard Men?s Health Watch March 2008
