A Final Test of Analytical Skill

DO VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS HELP REDUCE CVD OR OTHER MAJOR DISEASES?

This research under analysis appears to represent a real challenge. Here is the article that reviews the effects of vitamin studies to improve health in people who suffer with CVD or other major conditions. The results, NO improvements and the conclusion is that vitamins have NO benefits and it is time to stop wasting money on vitamins that don't work.

Analysis: For once in this section, this author is almost 100% in agreement with these results. BUT, the conclusions these highly respected Medical Professionals draw from this meta-analysis approach needs some clarification, or more understanding. The real conclusion, according to Scientific Method Protocols, should be that the vitamin dosges and forms tested DID NOT exhibit value under these disease conditions to elicit health benefits.

WERE THE WRONG FORMS AND DOSAGES USED?

Next are the reasons the form of vitamins used did not produce benefits with the corrected forms that should be tested.

1. Beta Carotene: There are over 600 forms in the carotenoid family. To rely on just one proved in these studies to not show value by itself. The only form tested was the synthetic form, all-trans beta carotene. There exists a natural product of beta carotene, an algae called D. SALINAS that contains many forms of beta carotene similar to what nature puts together in plant foods. Also included with all-trans are the 9-cis and the 13-cis beta carotene forms. Plus some other carotinoids as well, such as alpha carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Maybe it is time to drop the synthetic only all-trans form and just use natural sources for beta carotene that include related carotenoid factors.  

2. Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) used in studies represents just one form out of 8 family members that exist in nature. Plus, most often the synthetic form is used. It is far past time to retire the synthetic form of dl'alpha tocopherol with it's multitude of failed study results. Even the isolated natural form should be limited and only used with the other 3 tocopherols also present.

Here is a surprising study by a Doctor. The study meausred blood levels of vitamin E forms in heart patients compared to healthy controls for the four tocopherols found together in many vitamin E foods. The alpha tocopherol blood levels were the same in both groups. Since only alpha tocopherol is called vitamin E, it seems strange to believe that adding more would be of value when it was not lower than the amount in healthy people. It was another form of the vitamin E group from nature that was lower in heart patients than in healthy people, gamma tocopherol. Wouldn't this imply that gamma tocopherol might be the one to supplement?

There is a unique twist here that could explain the real facts. The body can convert the 3 other forms of tocopherols, beta, delta, and gamma, into alpha tocopherol if more of it is needed. Obviously, the body knows the value of alpha tocopherol in protecting the blood against oxygen radicals. Thus, more alpha tocopherol is probably needed in heart conditions, but it may be wise to supplement the whole family of vitamin E since all the forms have unique as well as similar functions. The gamma tocopherol form is needed to neutralize and prevent damage from nitrogen radicals since the alpha form does not work against them. 

To be continued.