October 19, 2011

Some Supplements Create Risk of Death

This was a disturbing piece of news and one that deserves attention. While it has yet to be studied in men, women between the ages of 55 to 69 need to be cautious and possibly talk this over with their doctor. I would suggest all women in the change of life and older should be cautious.

Many supplements are safe, but there are those that pose an increased risk for death in women. These supplements include multivitamins, Vitamin B6, and folic acid. Then there are the following minerals that need attention, iron, magnesium, zinc, and copper.

In a related editorial European researchers stated, "to the growing evidence demonstrating that certain antioxidant supplements, such as vitamin E, vitamin A, and beta-carotene, can be harmful."

"We cannot recommend the use of vitamin and mineral supplements as a preventive measure, at least not in a well-nourished population," they add. "Those supplements do not replace or add to the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables and may cause unwanted health consequences."

The authors of the study did state, "Although we cannot rule out benefits of supplements, such as improved quality of life, our study raises a concern regarding their long-term safety,"

This should be taken as meaning you should talk this over with you doctor and be safe in the use of these supplements (vitamins and minerals). Please read the press release here, and what Dr. R Centor says here in his blog.

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