Are Your Supplements Killing You?

A recent study, Fox article or MSN article citing a possible 2% increase in all cause death rate, has been getting large circulation among major news networks.  Of course, the only time 'vitamins' get any press is when it's negative.  The big time ad purchasers, like the pharmaceutical industry, doesn't really care for the huge and still growing database of positive research on natural medicine.  You have to go to sites like Natural News for unbiased health news (or at least a different bias).  The only time Big Pharma is interested in natural medicine is when the 'active constituent' can be isolated, synthesized and proven 'more good than harm'; then the original natural product (like Red Yeast Rice) can be sued for patent infringement!  Rediculous!

There are many problems with 'vitamin research', so let's take a look at this lacking study:

Because Iron and Copper cause oxidative damage at high levels, these tend to be the main concern in regard to excessive levels in the body.  Since menopausal women (average in study was 62 year old female) tend to have higher iron levels, the general rule of thumb is to use an iron/copper free product in this population.  The other population for whom these nutrients are problematic are those with significant levels of inflammation or oxidative stress (how many people in the study already had inflammation, i.e. arthritis, heart disease, autoimmune disease or simply eating too many Omega-6 fats form beef, chicken, turkey and grains, ocmpared to Omega-3 from fish, grass fed beef, or Omega-3 enriched eggs).

Folic acid, a synthetic form which does not exist in nature, yet is added to mst enriched foods, is the other "vitamin" that has proven negative effects on health, including increased cancer rates.  DFH, the company I do consulting for, uses only the "found in nature" folate forms, which have researched effects for preventing cervical dysplasia, certain cancers, cardiovascular disease due to high homocysteine, mood disorders, and more.

The bottom line is that it is always best to:

1. Consume a Paleo-oriented diet
2. Test dont guess (our Organic Acid based Metametrix tests, blood work, etc.)
3. Supplement based on test results, and/or clinical knowledge.

Studies like this are very difficult to glean good information from because, often the forms of nutrients used in studies are of poor quality, there is no testing to determine study participant need (supplement studies show the best results for those who have deficiencies and have neutral or negative effects for those who have sufficient or elevated levels of the given nutrient), preexisting health conditions are not assessed, and other lifestyle factors (good or bad) did not seem to be considered.

In short, this test reflects scenario A:

Scenario A:  An individual (average age of 62) has multiple health concerns and goes to the pharmacy to get her 3-4 prescriptions refilled.  As she is waiting for her prescriptions to be filled, she turns around and sees the vitamin aisle.  Based on advertisements in sales-driven magazines, email newsletters, and direct mail, where products are marketed as panaceas, she purchases the product that is at the front of her mind.  She does the wise thing of comparing prices and choosing the cheapest similar product.  Unfortunately, she doesn't realize that these vitamins contain minerals that are not well absorbed and can even have negative health effects, the vitamins are not the most bioavailable forms and can have negative effects, i.e. folic acid, the fish oils are often partially oxidized (rancid), etc., etc.  There is no doctor or qualified health practitioner making recommendations, and assessing her needs.  this is like the study.

Scenario B:  This individual goes to a quality health practitioner who assesses the patients health concerns, current prescriptions, and individual needs.  Modifications are made to her lifestyle, including diet, exercise, sleep and stress.  Laboratory assessments are made, if necessary.  Any supplements that are recommended are of the highest quality in order to minimize any negatives.  Follow-up is timely, in order to make any necessary adjustments.

Okay, that may have been a little lengthy, but hopefully you understand a little more about the crappy vitamin studies that are designed for fail unless the 'drug store multivitamin' is the panacea conventional medicine has been searching for.  Fat chance of that.  But used correctly, natural agents, such as vitamins, minerals and herbs, can and do positively influence many disease processes.