Surprise! The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) back in 2002 recommended that "it appears prudent that all adults take vitamin supplements." Wow! That is incredible! These are the same guys that a few years ago said vitamins just gave you expensive urine! Now, the next question is, has your MD read this article? No? Maybe it's time for a new MD! LOL!!
This is really, really important, so here's the whole enchilada!
"Vitamin deficiency syndromes such as scurvy and beriberi are uncommon in Western societies. However, sub-optimal intake of some vitamins, above levels causing classic vitamin deficiency, is a risk factor for chronic diseases and common in the general population, especially the elderly. Sub-optimal folic acid levels, along with suboptimal levels of vitamins B(6) and B(12), are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, neural tube defects, and colon and breast cancer; low levels of vitamin D contribute to Osteopenia and fractures; and low levels of the antioxidant vitamins (vitamins A, E, and C) may increase risk for several chronic diseases.
Most people do not consume an optimal amount of all vitamins by diet alone. Pending strong evidence of effectiveness from randomized trials, it appears prudent for all adults to take vitamin supplements. The evidence base for tailoring the contents of multivitamins to specific characteristics of patients such as age, sex, and physical activity and for testing vitamin levels to guide specific supplementation practices is limited. Physicians should make specific efforts to learn about their patients' use of vitamins to ensure that they are taking vitamins they should, such as folate supplementation for women in the childbearing years, and avoiding dangerous practices such as high doses of vitamin A during pregnancy or massive doses of fat-soluble vitamins at any age. Fletcher RH, Fairfield KM. Vitamins for chronic disease prevention in adults: clinical applications. JAMA 2002; 287:3127-3129."
There are multiple nutritional journals, clinical research trials and epidemiological (huge group) studies that have linked nutrition to most of the diseases which afflict our Western Society today. These are not widely publicized, however, and we won't go into those reasons here. (Just think in terms of BIG MONEY and you can read between the lines!) This fact makes it even more amazing that JAMA published this article!
Why is it impossible to just eat a healthy diet to obtain adequate nutrition, and what are some of the recommended daily amounts for "Optimal Nutrition?"
Sorry! Next blog!
