As SupplementQuality.com reported in a previous article (see RDAs And Safe Upper Levels: Solid Science Versus
Bureaucratic Bias), the recommended dietary allowance, or RDA, of various vitamins is intended to prevent deficiency disease,
not to provide an optimal level of vitamin intake. It has long been known that the elderly, the sick, and people on restrictive
diets are vulnerable to vitamin deficiencies. However, the "normal diet" of more than two-thirds of Americans does not include
the recommended daily intake of at least five servings of fruits and vegetables. Only those eating a "super-perfect" diet
are likely to get all the vitamins they need from their food.
Fletcher and Fairfield also warned that excessive dosage
levels can have toxic effects. They also indicate that many doctors may view vitamins as "an alternative therapy" -- or may
not appreciate the importance of vitamin deficiencies and may therefore overlook the value of recommending multivitamins to
their patients.
Too little folic acid, along with insufficient vitamins B6 and B12 "are a risk factor for cardiovascular
disease, neural tube defects, and colon and breast cancer."
"Low levels of Vitamin D contribute to osteopenia (decreased
bone density) and fractures."
Insufficient levels "of the antioxidant vitamins (vitamins A, E, and C) may increase
risk for several chronic diseases."
The article goes on to say that "it appears prudent for all adults to take vitamin
supplements," because "most people do not consume an optimal amount of all vitamins by diet alone."
The article warns
that adults should avoid the dangerous practices of taking "high doses of vitamin A during pregnancy or massive doses of fat-soluble
vitamins (vitamins A, E, D, K) at any age.
Although vitamin deficiency is encountered infrequently in developed countries,
inadequate intake of several vitamins is associated with chronic disease.
Review of 9 vitamins showed that elderly
people, vegans, alcohol-dependent individuals, and patients with malabsorption are at higher risk of inadequate intake or
absorption of several vitamins. Excessive doses of vitamin A during early pregnancy and fat-soluble vitamins taken anytime
may result in adverse outcomes. Inadequate folate status is associated with neural tube defect and some cancers. Folate and
vitamins B6 and B12 are required for homocysteine metabolism and are associated with coronary heart disease risk. Vitamin
E and lycopene may decrease the risk of prostate cancer. Vitamin D is associated with decreased occurrence of fractures when
taken with calcium.
Conclusions
Some groups of patients are at higher risk for vitamin deficiency and suboptimal
vitamin status. Many physicians may be unaware of common food sources of vitamins or unsure which vitamins they should recommend
for their patients. Vitamin excess is possible with supplementation, particularly for fat-soluble vitamins. Inadequate intake
of several vitamins has been linked to chronic diseases, including coronary heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis.
JAMA.
2002;287:3116-3126
Suggestions to fill the void:
A well balanced Multivitamin Mineral - A specially-balanced bioavailable formulation providing vitamins,
minerals, and a complement of herbs to help support human nutrition
Fiber to aid in healthy transit time and thourough
elimination of waste
pH Balancing Green drinks and fresh fruits and vegetables
Food Source Digestive Enzymes - Dietary Enzyme
Supplement "processed foods lack the enzymes needed for proper digestion"