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Unit 14. Misconceptions. about vitamins. and the health benefits. they offer. Prepared by Sibilla Johnson, B.Sc. Nutrition. Ref: Craig W; ‘Nutrition and Wellness’ 1999. Wahlqvist M; ‘Food and Nutrition’ 2002. Vitamin Supplements.
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Unit 14 Misconceptions about vitamins and the health benefits they offer Prepared by Sibilla Johnson, B.Sc. Nutrition Ref: Craig W; ‘Nutrition and Wellness’ 1999. Wahlqvist M; ‘Food and Nutrition’ 2002
Vitamin Supplements Some studies on the use of supplements have had some very negative findings • A study using beta-carotene (thought to protect against cancers and heart disease) had to be stopped, because mortality was higher in the people taking the supplements
A study of 22,000 men taking beta-carotene for 12 years found that they were no better off than the men on placebo (dummy tablets) • A study of 18,000 smokers and former smokers found that those who took beta-carotene supplements had almost 30% increased chance of developing lung cancer compared with those who took a placebo
In another study subjects taking beta-carotene supplements developed more bowel polyps • The latest study from Copenhagen looked at 14 separate trials to see if antioxidant vitamins A, C and E decreased the incidence of intestinal cancers. • Conclusion: “We could not find evidence that antioxidant supplements can prevent gastrointestinal cancers, on the contrary, they seem to increase overall mortality”.
Dietitian Matt O’Neil believes: • Vitamins can cause more harm than good. The types of antioxidants in fruits and vegetables have been shown to reduce risk better than higher doses in vitamins In the U.K. • The Food Standards Agency has taken to warning consumers about the risks of overdosing on certain vitamins
Associate Professor Caryl Nowson (A Nutritionist at Deakin University) • Vitamin A is her chief concern: “You can certainly overdose on vitamin A & D. And Vitamin E has been found to be detrimental in terms of cancer risk” she says. • “Vitamin A is a particular worry during pregnancy, if women are taking a Vitamin A supplement it can cause skeletal deformities in the infant”.
“We also have some evidence to show Vitamin A is associated with increased risk of fractures for older people”. If supplements are taken they should be below the RDI (recommended daily intake), high intakes are to be avoided
Taking vitamin supplements should be viewed as a short term measure. The long term use of supplements can lead to symptoms of overdosing. If you feel that you could be lacking in certain vitamins and minerals, it may be better to look at changing your diet and lifestyle rather than reaching for supplements
Vitamin Deficiencies Your body only needs a small amount of vitamins everyday. A varied diet generally provides enough of each vitamin and mineral. However, there are people who may benefit from supplements and they include:
Pregnant women • Women who are breastfeeding • Alcoholics • Cigarette smokers • Illegal drug users • Crash dieters or people on chronic low-calorie diets • Some vegetarians
People with allergic reactions to certain foods • People with malabsorption problems, such as diarrhoea, coeliac disease or pancreatitis • The elderly, those that are disabled or chronically ill Vitamins from food are best!
