[ExI] Once again: Some vitamins don't help in large doses

[BillK]

On 5/15/09, Michael LaTorra wrote:
> Please remember that the most powerful advocacy group for the use of
> supplements is comprised of those who sell them. Researchers who do not sell
> supplements or receive financial support from those that do -- in other
> words, people who stake their reputations on the quality of their research
> -- have conducted truly disinterested research and found little value to
> most supplements.


And, on the other hand, the pharmaceutical industry is behind much of
the anti-vitamin/supplement messages we see and hear.
Which group of shills do you believe more?

I agree that evidence is accumulating that *large* doses of vitamins
and supplements can be harmful.

And I also agree that regularly eating a balanced diet, including
fruit, vegetables, nuts and fish should mean that you have no need for
supplements.

But it is not that easy for everyone to have the perfect diet. For
example, the selenium content is US wheat is too low. A low dose
multi-vitamin tablet should correct any deficiencies without causing
overdose problems. Fish oil capsules also help if you don't eat enough
oily fish.

Another problem is aging. Older bodies start failing to process food
as well as they did when younger and some supplementation can correct
deficiencies. As muscle mass starts to dwindle, this can be helped
also. Again, you have to be careful not to overdose.

So you are successfully arguing against overdosing on vitamins, but
not against taking any supplementation at all.


BillK