OT: Multivitamins waste of money

[VikingGnome]

You probably all heard the news today about the Annals of Internal Medicine report that says taking supplemental vitamins in a well-nourished adult has NO BENEFIT and may even be harmful.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/multivitami ... st-health/

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nati ... h/4042037/

http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/16/health/mu ... s-studies/

Just few links on the report. I have never been a taker of multivitamins. I do take extra Vitamin C when I feel a cold coming on. My sister, on the other hand, takes about 12 tablets every morning, each one a single vitamin (made by AMWAY, BTW.) So all that money spent on multivitamins in healthy adults does nothing to prevent disease or keep you healthy. Wonder how this will affect the marketing of CENTRUM, MULTIVITES, ONE-A-DAY, and other brand names. The vitamin industry is HUGE. I expect a lash back from them to preserve their existence. Many even some of their own "scientific studies" to prove the opposites. What about all those newer vitamins for "eye health, prostate health, brain preservation?" Half of Americans take multivitamins. Will this research change anyone's habits? I don't think so. It's so much easier to be assured by a little pill that it will keep you well and alive forever.

[Kiralynx]

Of course they say that.

If people are taking vitamins, they aren't running to their doctors and getting prescriptions!

[chunkyfrog]

Vitamins came into high popularity during WWII, to help people feel better about complying with food rationing.
The "experts" assume everyone has access to a "balanced", "nutritious" diet.

[jbloodwo]

Also don't forget that the "patent" drug industry has no love of anything that they can't patent. Who knows there were were most likely articles dough ting the medical efficacy of citrus in preventing scurvy.
The reality is most of us are deficient in vitamin levals. I do know from talking to my primary there are currently debates over what a "normal" range for D should be. She tends to error on the RDS's are to low for B(6,12)and D and also thyroid levels. Her views are based on what she has seen as a clinician. What the debate should be on vitamins is what form of delivery provides the best efficacy for clinical benefit.

[ems]

My internist said to stop taking multi vits a few months ago. Now I just take Vit D and fish oil.

[49er]

Of course they say that.

If people are taking vitamins, they aren't running to their doctors and getting prescriptions!

Exactly.

Of course, my experience is only anecdotal, but in my opinion, it is because of the vitamins I take that my health isn't worse than it is due to my difficulty with pap therapy. I had a cold recently but hadn't had one for 4 years in spite of my sleep deprived state.

I think it is interesting all these anti vitamin studies are coming out. I am guessing the pharma PR machine is at work big time. And yes, I know I sound way too cynical without any proof but I am sticking to my story

[rkuntz]

"All things in moderation" be it the use of Multivitamins or belief in Press Releases.

[herefishy]

I have never eaten "well" - if I did, I wouldn't take a multi vitamin. But I take the multi, plus others that seem appropriate in view of the lack in my diet.

[sleeplessinaz]

I only take my Vit D, Vit b and calcium/magnesium. No need for all those other vitamins. Ocular vitamins? Come on now! Clearly a marketing scheme!

[BlackSpinner]

I only take my Vit D, Vit b and calcium/magnesium. No need for all those other vitamins. Ocular vitamins? Come on now! Clearly a marketing scheme!

No they are not. They make a difference if you have macular degeneration.

If I don't take vitamins I get incredible pains in my hips and thumb joints. Nobody on the planet eats a "healthy well balanced" diet everyday. Many people have absorption problems and need to take extra of anything they don't absorb well.

And while you are at it you may as well add probiotics to your list. They have been well demonstrated to help your entire body use the food you eat.

[Kiralynx]

Also don't forget that the "patent" drug industry has no love of anything that they can't patent. Who knows there were were most likely articles dough ting the medical efficacy of citrus in preventing scurvy.
The reality is most of us are deficient in vitamin levals. I do know from talking to my primary there are currently debates over what a "normal" range for D should be. She tends to error on the RDS's are to low for B(6,12)and D and also thyroid levels. Her views are based on what she has seen as a clinician. What the debate should be on vitamins is what form of delivery provides the best efficacy for clinical benefit.

You have a good primary.

And, of course... if "they" can't patent it, and make money from it, then it must not be any good. Which doesn't stop them from trying the patent stuff like Vitamin D, and then declare the rest of us can't have it.

[Goofproof]

BlackSpinner is correct, the problem comes from the idea we just need one big pill to keep us healthy. What I require is vitamins that help me keep the wolfe from thd door, small doses don't do it, the body doesn't absorb them well.

The list of the ones that I take would make you laugh or at least yell. I have a reason for taking each one. I would not spend the money, over $400 a year if they didn't provide a benefit from them.I hate taking pills, I do it because for me it either wards off problems or makes it so I can live with them easier, the alternative for me would be even more docrors and script drugs, causing even more side effects down the road. Jim

[Kiralynx]

I only take my Vit D, Vit b and calcium/magnesium. No need for all those other vitamins. Ocular vitamins? Come on now! Clearly a marketing scheme!

Not so. Vitamin A (not necessarily beta carotene which has to be converted to A in our bodies) is necessary for eyes -- and lutein and zeaxanthin is recommended for those with glaucoma or who are developing cataracts. In fact, our eye doctor referenced them to my husband.

I have the option of taking a supplement for muscle spasm, OR, I can take muscle relaxers and codeine which leave me groggy and incoherent. Guess which one I choose?

[deerslayer]

yeah yeah, & they will come out with another survey doing an about face.I am going to stick to what works FOR ME :i take 1/2 doseage of multi , caltrateD 600+,1 co Q 10(to conteract the statins) in morning ,folic acid ,400 iu E, kril oil , 250mg C. supper will take other 1/2 multi & 1/2 caltrate ,1 co q 10.... if i feel like i may be coming down w/ a virus, may take a zinc .Zetonna has also helped control my rhinitis which can leed to sinus infections, bronchitis , etc. statins cause muscle cramps/ spasms .
we are our own health advocates. like others have said: all things in moderation & use common sense. My Primary , Rhematologist , cardiologist ask what i am taking .....Music to my ears when they all say "just keep doin what you are doin, you are doing better than most your age "
Rock On !

[Ruinednose]

try "alive"