From the time we were young people have been telling us to make sure to eat our fruits and vegetables so that we get the vitamins and minerals that we need. In our society it is not uncommon for people to not eat the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables. To make up for this lack in the diet, many people have turned to vitamin supplements as an alternative. Some studies have found that these pills help slow down and even reverse the signs and symptoms of certain illnesses, Other studies, however, have found that taking vitamin supplements in not necessary and can lead to "too much of a good thing."
In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, a connection was drawn to women taking vitamin supplements and HIV. At the beginning of the study, all women accepted in to the program had already been diagnosed with HIV. The women enrolled were divided into four different groups and were followed for a period of just over eight years. This study found that women who took a multivitamin, along with vitamin A, had a decreased risk of moving to stage 4 HIV or dying. Women who took the placebo had the greatest risk, and there was no significant connection between the women who took vitamain A with no other supplementation.
Though the study published in the New England Journal of Medicine supported the idea of vitamin supplementation, not all people agree. An article published in the New York Times in June of 2013 suggested that people get enough vitamins and minerals from their routine diet and that taking supplements were not necessary. In fact, they went as far as to say that taking vitamin supplements increased the risk for illnesses such as heart disease, certain cancers, and a shortened life span.
So, with conflicting suggestions, which side is to believe? On one hand, the study published in the New England Journal of Medicine comes from a peer-reviewed study and was published in a creditable journal. However, the study is also a decade old and it is possible that newer information has become available. On the other hand, the study that was published in the New York Times is a brand new article. This article, though, is simply an opinion piece published in a newspaper. Not to say that the writer didn't know what they were talking about, but it is a possibility. The article also summarized other studies, but did not give the full details and findings about what took place.
I personally believe that in a well-balanced, nutritious diet people will get the vitamins and minerals that they need. However, if they are consuming a less-nutritious diet and not getting the correct nutrients then a supplement might not be a bad idea. In this case, however, I believe it is more important to get the consumer to eat a healthy diet than it is to encourage them to take supplements. I am no expert by any means in this field, but before making a decision I believe that it would be best to consult with a doctor, dietitian, or nutritionist and hear what they believe is the best option.
Sizer, F. & Whitney, E. (2013) Nutrition: concepts & controversies (13th
ed, p. 414-416). Belmont, Calif: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
Offit, P. Don't Take Your Vitamins. New York Times. June 8, 2013.
Fawzi, W., Msamanga, G., Spieglman, D., Wei, R., Kapiga, S., Villamor, E., Mwakagile, D., Mugusi, F., Hertzmark, E., Essex, M., Hunter, D. A Randomized Trial of Multivitamin Supplements and HIV Disease Progression and Mortalitly. New England Journal of Medicine. July 1, 2004. V351 p23-32.
I feel a bit conflicted about this myself. Though I eat across the plate, after performing a nutrient analysis I noticed I was often running a little short on potassium and that my Omegas were a bit hit or miss. I would be curious to know what your physician things. Mine recommended that I eat as if I don't take them, and continue taking them. I make sure that I am getting that multivitamin into my routine when I travel, am getting really stressed or time-stretched, or just plain know that I didn't eat very well for a day or two. Trader Joe's used to sell a multivitamin that was two pills per serving. My physician at home told me that one at night and one in the morning might be a good way to avoid losing as many of the water solubles. Another nurse practitioner told me that I could break regular ones in half. So many different messages!
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