Vitamins & Disease

We've all grown up being told to eat our fruits and vegetables, in order to grow up healthy and strong. Now that we're older, we know vitamins are important, but just how vital are they to our overall health? Some studies suggest that surprisingly, not all of them are good for you in abundance and there may be a more practical reason for the body's natural vitamin depletion than we realize.

In a seven-year international study spanning more than 10,000 patients, researchers from the American Medical Association found that those taking vitamin E supplements had no fewer occurrences of heart disease, strokes or cancer. In fact, the risk was 13% higher! Less controversial studies find that vitamin E simply has a placebo effect and is neither harmful nor beneficial in treating heart disease, cancer and strokes. Most doctors can agree that vitamins will always be important for optimal body function, but can be toxic if taken at extreme levels.

Another danger with vitamins is that many people assume that these supplements are all they need for a "balanced diet." However, you'll be hard-pressed to find a doctor who adamantly believes in their effectiveness. Instead, patients are encouraged to focus on proven methods. For instance, fish oil has long been touted by health experts as the key to maintaining maximum efficiency, as well as omega-6 and omega-3 supplements. Many doctors recommend a Mediterranean-style diet of olives, bread dipped in olive or rapeseed oil, root vegetables, leafy greens, daily fruit, more fish, and less meat and butter.

As with anything, vitamins should be balanced. The usual daily requirements for an average adult are as follows: vitamin A: 600 microgram (retinal), vitamin D: 2.5 microgram, vitamin B1: 1.2 mg, vitamin B2: 1.4 mg, Niacin: 16 mg, vitamin B6: 2 mg, pantothenic acid: 10 mg, folic acid: 100 mg, vitamin B12: 1 mg and vitamin C: 60 mg. If you're taking heart medication, then be aware that you will need potassium and calcium supplements because many of these drugs deplete your levels as a side effect.

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