I was chewing over the recent study that suggests that older women who take certain supplements have a higher risk of death than those who do not use supplements. This information contradicts literally thousands of other studies that show the benefits of supplements for nearly everyone.
I guess I was trying to find a polite way to say this is a bunch of bunk. Then this statement from Dr. Susan Lark, a physician I’ve long admired, crossed my desk. It says it all:
“Vitamins and Women’s Mortality–Don’t Believe the Negative Reports!!
Posted: 11 Oct 2011 09:31 AM PDT
“Yesterday, you may have seen some media reports about a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine that concluded that the use of multivitamins and some dietary supplements (vitamin B6, folic acid, iron, magnesium, zinc, and copper) increased the risk of death in older women.
“I was extremely disappointed to hear about this study and find it to be another unwarranted attack on the supplement industry. The fact of the matter is, our diets, no matter how good and well-balanced, simply do not meet our bodies’ nutritional needs. Conventional farming practices leave our fruits and vegetables lacking in nutrients, and thanks to our on-the-go lifestyles, processed and fast foods dominate many American women’s diets.
“Furthermore, this one study contradicts the literally THOUSANDS of earlier studies that have consistently shown the countless benefits of supplements for the reduction of breast cancer, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, and other health problems that plague women. It also contradicts years of years of clinical findings by physicians like myself, who have seen great positive results in patients by prescribing nutritional supplement regimens to prevent and treat illness and disease.
“Of course, this one negative study comes on the heels of increasing attempts by the FDA to regulate the supplements that so many of us take every day to maintain our health and well-being. The timing of this study’s release is very suspicious!
“I, for one, will continue taking my multivitamin and other supplements with extreme confidence, and I suggest that you do the same. ”
