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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 18 of 18. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Phillipa on October 11, 2011, at 18:30:11
This study is unbelieveable to me. Now supplements including MVI associated with death in females. Since folic acid is one discussed what about Deplin? Phillipa
From Medscape Medical News
Vitamin Supplements Associated With Increased Risk for Death
Emma Hitt, PhDAuthors and Disclosures
October 10, 2011 In women aged 55 to 69 years, several widely used dietary vitamin and mineral supplements, especially supplemental iron, may be associated with increased risk for death, according to new findings from the Iowa Women's Health Study.
Although many vitamin supplements did not appear to be associated with a higher risk for total mortality, several were, including multivitamins, vitamins B6, and folic acid, as well as minerals iron, magnesium, zinc, and copper.
Jaakko Mursu, PhD, from the Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition at the University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio, Finland, and colleagues reported their findings in the October 10 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.
"Supplements are widely used, and further studies regarding their health effects are needed," Dr. Mursu and colleagues write. "Also, little is known about the long-term effects of multivitamin use and less commonly used supplements, such as iron and other minerals."
The current study sought to evaluate the link between supplement use and total mortality rate, using data from the Iowa Women's Health Study. A total of 38,772 older women were included in the analysis. Women were aged between 55 to 69 years, with an average of 61.6 years at the beginning of the study in 1986. Self-reported data on vitamin supplement use were collected in 1986, 1997, and 2004.
A total of 15,594 deaths were reported through December 31, 2008, representing about 40% of the initial participants. The use of multivitamins overall was associated with 2.4% increased absolute risk for death (hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.02 - 1.10). Self-reported use of dietary supplements increased substantially between 1986 and 2004. In addition, supplement users had a higher educational level, were more physically active, and were more likely to use estrogen replacement therapy.
Vitamin B6, folic acid, iron, magnesium, and zinc were associated with about a 3% to 6% increased risk for death, whereas copper was associated with an 18.0% increased risk for total mortality when compared with corresponding nonuse.
In contrast, use of calcium was inversely related to risk for death (hazard ratio, 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.88 - 0.94; absolute risk reduction, 3.8%).
The researchers assessed the findings for iron and calcium in more detailed analyses conducted during shorter periods (10-year, 6-year, and 4-year follow-up) and found results similar to those for the analyses conducted during the entire time.
"In agreement with our hypothesis, most of the supplements studied were not associated with a reduced total mortality rate in older women," Dr. Mursu and colleagues conclude. "In contrast, we found that several commonly used dietary vitamin and mineral supplements, including multivitamins, vitamins B6, and folic acid, as well as minerals iron, magnesium, zinc, and copper, were associated with a higher risk of total mortality."
"Although we cannot rule out benefits of supplements, such as improved quality of life, our study raises a concern regarding their long-term safety," the authors add.
In a related editorial, Goran Bjelakovic, MD, DMSc, and Christian Gluud, MD, DMSc, from the Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark, note that the current study adds "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."
This study was partially supported by the National Cancer Institute and the Academy of Finland, the Finnish Cultural Foundation, and the Fulbright programs Research Grant for a Junior Scholar. One study author is an unpaid member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the California Walnut Commission. The other authors and editorialists have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Arch Intern Med. 2011;171:1625-1634.
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on October 11, 2011, at 19:48:14
In reply to Vitamin Supplements Assoc With Increased Death, posted by Phillipa on October 11, 2011, at 18:30:11
I can see how mega doses can be harmful, but how a supplement that contains only the RDI can be harmful is beyond me - the body cant tell the difference between the 60mg of vitamin c in an orange and the 60mg of vitamin c in a centrum tablet.
I know my diet isnt perfect, and I for one am going to keep taking a daily multivitamin
Posted by Phillipa on October 11, 2011, at 21:37:02
In reply to Re: Vitamin Supplements Assoc With Increased Death, posted by jono_in_adelaide on October 11, 2011, at 19:48:14
I agree and C and B are both water soluable makes no sence to me hence posted this rubbish. Phillipa
Posted by Christ_empowered on October 12, 2011, at 7:25:47
In reply to Re: Vitamin Supplements Assoc With Increased Death » jono_in_adelaide, posted by Phillipa on October 11, 2011, at 21:37:02
I've benefitted so much from taking supplements. I just don't see how carefully selected supplements could be dangerous. Maybe the vitamin group had pre-existing health concerns or poor lifestyle habits? It seems like everything causes death these days. I just read a summary of a study connecting Retin-A--which saved my skin--to increased mortality. Of course, Retin-A and newfangled retinoids are cash cows for a lot of drug companies, so that study didn't make headlines (that and Retin-A has a long history of safe use).
Anyway, interesting post. Definitely something to think about.
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on October 12, 2011, at 18:38:58
In reply to Re: Vitamin Supplements Assoc With Increased Death, posted by Christ_empowered on October 12, 2011, at 7:25:47
I can see how mega doses could be dangerous - nobody could get 400iu of vitamin e from natural sorces, but a supplement containing about the RDI wouldnt seem to be any more problematic than a normal diet.
I'm taking this study with a pinch of salt, as I do claims that a particular supplement will make you live for ever.
Posted by Phillipa on October 12, 2011, at 19:46:14
In reply to Re: Vitamin Supplements Assoc With Increased Death, posted by Christ_empowered on October 12, 2011, at 7:25:47
Your're kidding as use the generic retin A on my face given to me by dermatologist said it really works on wrinkles. Got a link to the study? I know death is lurking all over. Phillipa
Posted by Christ_empowered on October 12, 2011, at 20:51:06
In reply to Re: Vitamin Supplements Assoc With Increased Death » Christ_empowered, posted by Phillipa on October 12, 2011, at 19:46:14
Posted by Phillipa on October 12, 2011, at 21:19:58
In reply to Re: Vitamin Supplements Assoc With Increased Death, posted by Christ_empowered on October 12, 2011, at 20:51:06
So what do you think of this would you stop using it? It's possible as the skin is our largest organ? Phillipa
Posted by Christ_empowered on October 12, 2011, at 22:05:41
In reply to Re: Vitamin Supplements Assoc With Increased Death » Christ_empowered, posted by Phillipa on October 12, 2011, at 21:19:58
I won't stop using it. Its the only thing that keeps my rosacea at bay. I read a critique of the study somewhere, and they pointed out all kinds of flaws (which, of course, I forget now). Still, just goes to show you--EVERYTHING apparently causes death.
Posted by Phillipa on October 12, 2011, at 23:35:48
In reply to Re: Vitamin Supplements Assoc With Increased Death, posted by Christ_empowered on October 12, 2011, at 22:05:41
I have the think it .05 strength and lesser strength which I'm using the dermatologist said his Mother uses it and has no wrinkles and 70 years old. How's that? Phillipa
Posted by Christ_empowered on October 13, 2011, at 16:56:10
In reply to Re: Vitamin Supplements Assoc With Increased Death » Christ_empowered, posted by Phillipa on October 12, 2011, at 23:35:48
I've read online that some dermatologists say that if you start using it before you get significant wrinkling you may not develop as many wrinkles as people your age who haven't used it. Its also really good at reducing wrinkles after they've formed. I kind of doubt a 70 year old would be wrinkle free just from using Retin-A, but I don't know.
I use it for rosacea and razor bumps. I use the .025% every other night.
Posted by Phillipa on October 13, 2011, at 20:49:05
In reply to Re: Vitamin Supplements Assoc With Increased Death, posted by Christ_empowered on October 13, 2011, at 16:56:10
CE I googled it last night and after the treatments I've had decided benefits outweight negatives. As for the Doc's Mother evidently she's used it for years. Betting she also wasn't a sun worshipping like I was. Will continue to have sundamge frozen off and use the creams and use sunscreen and avoid the sun as much as I used to love it. I use it nightly. And it's the .05 or 5mg cream. Phillipa ps also use Obagi from plastic surgeons office. Got more today this is for daytime use.
Posted by morgan miller on October 15, 2011, at 17:00:05
In reply to Vitamin Supplements Assoc With Increased Death, posted by Phillipa on October 11, 2011, at 18:30:11
It's the mega doses of the metals and other things that accumulate that are the problem here. There are also potential issues with too much folic acid, specifically the typical folic acid used in so many things.
Posted by morgan miller on October 15, 2011, at 17:02:22
In reply to Re: Vitamin Supplements Assoc With Increased Death, posted by jono_in_adelaide on October 11, 2011, at 19:48:14
Multivitamins often have too high a dose of certain micronutrients, then we get them in our food and fortified food, it ends up being overkill all the way around.
Posted by morgan miller on October 15, 2011, at 17:04:01
In reply to Re: Vitamin Supplements Assoc With Increased Death, posted by Christ_empowered on October 12, 2011, at 7:25:47
CE, it would make sense that we need to maintain a proper balance and not go too high, especially with certain types of nutrients. Just about anything has potential for toxicity when used at a high amount for a long time.
Posted by morgan miller on October 15, 2011, at 17:07:08
In reply to Re: Vitamin Supplements Assoc With Increased Death, posted by Christ_empowered on October 12, 2011, at 22:05:41
I don't think topical retinoids accumulate in the liver and cause toxicity, especially when just using them on the face.
Posted by morgan miller on October 15, 2011, at 17:08:10
In reply to Re: Vitamin Supplements Assoc With Increased Death, posted by Christ_empowered on October 13, 2011, at 16:56:10
> I've read online that some dermatologists say that if you start using it before you get significant wrinkling you may not develop as many wrinkles as people your age who haven't used it. Its also really good at reducing wrinkles after they've formed. I kind of doubt a 70 year old would be wrinkle free just from using Retin-A, but I don't know.
>
> I use it for rosacea and razor bumps. I use the .025% every other night.Sounds like a good safe regimen to me : ) It will probably help you look younger as you get older too, bonus.
Posted by Phillipa on October 15, 2011, at 21:20:55
In reply to Re: Vitamin Supplements Assoc With Increased Death, posted by morgan miller on October 15, 2011, at 17:08:10
Morgan so you think it's safe to use? Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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