Are Vitamins Dangerous?

[Guest guest]

Vitamins Dangerous? JoAnn Guest Jun 08, 2003 14:32 PDT

Are Vitamins Dangerous?

 

" Someone just sent me an article from The New York Times that said

experts are concerned that Americans are taking so many vitamins and

minerals that they may actually be increasing the risk of disease. Do

you agree? "

 

-- Anonymous

 

 

 

(Published 06/06/2003)

 

 

I’ve been asked a lot about that article. Frankly, I saw nothing new in

it, but I did see some information that I think is misleading. For those

of you who didn’t read it, the article quoted several experts who voiced

concern that Americans are taking too many vitamins and minerals are

getting even higher amounts from fortified milk and other foods and that

the combination of these high levels could lead to health problems.

Here’s a rundown:

 

Vitamin A: Excessive intake – usually above 10,000 IU per day for adults

- can lead to hair loss, confusion, liver damage and bone loss. Instead

of taking vitamin A, I recommend mixed carotenoid supplements, which are

derived from vegetables that include beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein

from which the body can make vitamin A. Even in high doses, carotenoid

toxicity is rare, and is usually limited to yellowing of the skin.

 

 

Iron: One expert quoted in the Times article worried about iron

overload. This is a real concern. Unless you’re a menstruating woman, do

not take iron supplements unless advised to do so by a physician after

tests have revealed iron deficiency anemia, and the source of blood loss

has been identified.

 

 

Folic Acid: The Times article mentions conflicting studies on whether

taking folic acid reduces the risk of heart disease. One study showed

that it was beneficial because it lowered levels of homocysteine, an

amino acid associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Women of

childbearing age who may become pregnant need adequate folic acid to

prevent certain birth defects. I continue to recommend a supplement

containing 400 mcg of folic acid daily.

 

The Times article also referred to a number of studies linking

antioxidant vitamins with increased rates of various diseases. The

participants in these studies already were ill or were at risk of

serious disease because they smoked. In one, a large study of vitamin E

and heart disease, findings that the rate of hemorrhagic strokes

increased were not surprising given the fact that vitamin E has

anticoagulant activity. I know of no study findings suggesting that

vitamin supplements are responsible for an increased risk of disease

among healthy people.

 

The Times’ experts made a point that I have tried to get across

repeatedly for years: taking vitamins, minerals and other dietary

supplements will not make up for an unhealthy, unbalanced diet lacking

in the fresh fruits and vegetables. Supplements are best viewed as

insurance against gaps in the diet and against increasing toxic

pressures from the environment.

 

Dr. Andrew Weil

 

www.drweil.com

 

 

 

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