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"What meta-studies show the efficacy or inefficacy of multivitamins?"

Asked by TeeSeeJay 33 months ago ( Send a Compliment)

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Does the body actually absorb the vitamins or is it a waste of time and money? Does it matter if they're taken with a mean vs. on an empty stomach?


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"contradictory information "
Hightest Level: 1 by Kamic on Mar 03 2007 (33 months ago)
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There is tons of contradictory information on multivitamins! I can speak from personal experience, with having Celiac Disease (basically can’t eat wheat) I find that I get some of my missing vitamins because it’s easier for my intestines to absorb. Vitamins shouldn’t replace food or exercise and you can take too much of certain types of vitamins, so do some research for your certain requirements based on age, sex, and overall health requirements. Please take a look at my source, you can find some information on each type of vitamin and how to get them naturally within food!

Good luck and I'm glad your looking for more information rather then just taking a 'one pill fits all' multivitamin pill!
Sources: http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/food/vitamin.html

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"I've read over and over that vitamins are a waste of money"
Hightest Level: 5 by EddieNygma on Mar 03 2007 (33 months ago)
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There's pretty general agreement that the body doesn't absorb vitamins in pill form very well. I've read that taking the vitamins along with a little bit of fat (for example, a glass of milk) helps absorption, but still 90% of the vitamins taken this way will be excreted and not used by the body. However, that 10% can still be beneficial. And taking injections and sublinguals increases the absorption rate, so they may be a better option.

I know there was recently a study in the news that suggested vitamins do more harm than good. Looking through the details, I have to say that the results are pretty dubious. The sample size was too small and the conclusions untrustworthy.

There's an article I've linked to that discusses this topic, but I'd also suggest that you read Ray Kurzweil's book, Fantastic Voyage which is probably the best text on the subject. He believes that vitamins can be absorbed and that they're well worth the money. It's this book:

Fantastic Voyage: Live Long Enough to Live Forever (Paperback)
by Ray Kurzweil (Author), Terry Grossman (Author)
List Price: $16.00
Price: $10.88 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25
http://www.amazon.com/Fantastic-Voyage-Live-Enough-Forever/dp/0452286670/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-0623691-0552123?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1172981892&sr=8-1
Sources: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/2096672.stm
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"Meta-study in JAMA this week"
Hightest Level: 3 by tantalumgirl on Mar 04 2007 (33 months ago)
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The study indicated "that in a meta-analysis of 68 randomized trials involving over 200,000 people, vitamins A, E and beta-carotene may increase mortality risk by up to 16%."

Here is a link, not to the study itself, but to a critique of the study.

http://www.vitacost.com/newsletter/newsletter.cfm?nl=319

Also, here is a link to an essay by Michael Pollan published in the NY Times last month. In it, he talks about the importance of eating right, and discusses the possibility that taking supplements is an exercise in futility.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/28/magazine/28nutritionism.t.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5088&en=7c85a1c254546157&ex=1327640400&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
Sources: nytimes.com, vitacost.com
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"This is an area of much debate."
Hightest Level: 1 by atlantajim on Mar 04 2007 (33 months ago)
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6399773.stm

 

Taking certain vitamin supplements may adversely affect people's lifespan, researchers have suggested.

Millions worldwide use antioxidant supplements such as vitamins A and E, and beta-carotene.

Looking at dozens of previous studies, Copenhagen University researchers suggested these appeared to raise, not lower, the risk of early death.

A supplements industry expert said the Journal of the American Medical Association study was fatally flawed.

But nutritionists said it reinforced the need to eat a balanced diet, rather than relying on supplements.

While vitamin supplements have been popular for decades, the precise benefits they offer - if any - remain uncertain, despite hundreds of research projects.

 

 

Personally, I believe we should eat fresh living and vital foods such as organic and homegrown.

Vitamins are a mechanistic, materialistic approach to nutrition and vitality.   Vital Food, not Vitamins = Vitality.
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"there was recently a HUGE one, cited here:"
Hightest Level: 2 by bacon on Mar 08 2007 (32 months ago)
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http://typographica.vox.com/
Sources: http://typographica.vox.com/
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Latest post on this question's discussion board:

Kamic, regarding your answer "contradictory information ":
Not only is that a great answer,but the texts in the widgets are very good as well.
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