Multi-Nonsense on Multi-Vitamins
A recent Harvard newsletter called for men to discontinue the use of multi-vitamins due to a possible increased risk for prostate or colorectal cancer. A few of our readers contacted us about this research, asking for our opinion. (Click here to read the original Harvard press release.)
Although Stop Aging Now is aware of the few studies that suggest indifferent or harmful outcomes using antioxidants and specific doses of B-complex vitamins, we have some serious questions about them. There are several problems associated with these research studies that lead us and other experts in the field to believe that some of the conclusions drawn from them are dubious at best. For example:
- Researchers were able to cite only one study demonstrating a correlation between the use of folic acid and a higher incidence of prostate and colorectal cancer. Folic acid is considered non-toxic and had been administered in doses as high as 15 mg (15,000 mcg) per day. This study involved only people who were at high risk for colorectal cancer. This is the trouble with correlative studies like this. Often, the study population is already at higher risk for the disease in question, so a true correlative/causative analysis cannot be determined.
- The Harvard newsletter actually concedes in its conclusion that “there is no proof that a daily multi-vitamin is harmful,” and many researchers, including Harvard professors, are calling the recommendation to stop taking multi-vitamin supplements premature.
At this time, Stop Aging Now agrees with the Council for Responsible Nutrition’s assessment that the conclusions drawn from these studies are premature, as is the suggestion to discontinue using multi-vitamins. (Click here to read their opinion.)
However, to err on the side of caution, we do make the following suggestions:
- If you are at high risk for colon cancer because you’ve had precancerous polyps, a strong family history of colon cancer, or previous colon cancer, talk with your doctor about the amount of folic acid you should be getting from foods and supplements.
- If you have a family or personal history of prostate cancer, based on current research, we do not recommend taking more than the safe dosages of multi-vitamins that are contained in our products. We recommend that you do not exceed the suggested dosage on the labels, and that you do not take more of individual nutrients without medical supervision. Be especially cautious about the trace minerals zinc and selenium, and beta-carotene. Research suggests that more than 30 mg of zinc and more than 400 mcg of selenium should be taken only with medical supervision.
- If you have had prostate cancer, or have high PSA or a family history of prostate cancer, you may want to have an informed discussion with your doctor about what nutritional supplements to take and in what amounts. And watch for our newsflashes for continuing coverage of this area of research.
Many nutritionists, doctors and scientists now believe that without multi-vitamin supplements, we would not get all the nutrients we need for optimal health due to many factors, including food processing, soil depletion and inadequate daily food choices.
The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: At Stop Aging Now, we have a tradition of staying current with the latest research and making adjustments to our vitamin formulas to reflect well documented current trends in clinical research. We continually monitor the latest findings and confer with experts and our own highly regarded board of scientific advisors regarding the results. Not all published studies are definitive or well conducted. It’s our promise to provide you with the highest quality, safest products possible.
