So many people experience the symptoms of low thyroid or hypothyroid. Its the same story.....a blood test for TSH is done and you fall in the normal range but you dont feel anything close to normal. Whether it is coldness, low energy, unexplained body weight, hair loss or any number of other problems related to low thyroid function.....your doctor keeps telling you that you numbers are normal. The following link suggests the use of a different type of test called a reverse T3. If the above mentioned pertains to you then please read and share this info with others.
http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/rt3-ratio/
Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
The Truth About Healthy Hot Tubs
How would you like to get into a hot tub and not feel like you are taking a bath in chemicals? It is possible...with the help of a zeolite mineral bag, sea salt and hydrogen peroxide. This combination allows for the removal of all chemicals that are used to keep the water PH correct and bacteria free. I have used this method for 5 years and being a person with very sensitive skin, I am able to really enjoy the healing benefits of salt water. This type of water treatment leaves your skin soft and hydrated feeling instead of prune like and wrinkled. Feel free to contact us for more info.
The Truth About Alkalinity
Most people do to poor diet are very acidic. Acid causes inflammation and is often the beginning of many diseases and health issue. Here an easy to follow guide to the use of alkaline foods and how to improve your diet.
http://www.rense.com/1.mpicons/acidalka.htm
http://www.rense.com/1.mpicons/acidalka.htm
The Truth About Steve Jobs Cancer
Here is a great interview with Dr Nicholas Gonzalez with Dr Mercola about the death of Steve Jobs as well as an inside look into the high profile cancer cases that the media loves.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/10/09/dr-nicholas-gonzalez-on-steve-jobs.aspx?e_cid=20111009_SNL_Art_1
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/10/09/dr-nicholas-gonzalez-on-steve-jobs.aspx?e_cid=20111009_SNL_Art_1
The Truth About Supplement Safety
If any supplement gets mentioned in the news, its usually in the context of some damage that it has caused, followed by a discussion of the danger of dietary supplements since they are not sufficiently regulated. The fact is, however, that dietary supplements ARE regulated according to the DSHEA Act of 1994.
However, the real dangerous culprit is highly regulated pharmaceutical drugs !
Many commonly used drugs are linked to disease. For instance, the use of antibiotics is associated with an increased risk of fatal breast cancer (JAMA, Feb 4, 2004). Regular use of painkillers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen increases the risk of chronic kidney failure. (New Engl Jour Med Dec 20, 2001) Another research study notes that medications pose a significant risk to patients, with 1.9 million adverse drug events occurring each year, and up to 180,000 of these are life threatening or fatal (JAMA, Mar 5, 2003). Note the severity and astronomical numbers associated with adverse drug events, vs. the small incidence of adverse events due to supplements. Clearly, the 43 million dollars spent on FDA drug regulation does not make drugs safe.
New reports continue to stress the severe danger associated with the responsible use of pharmaceutical drugs. In fact, the CDC reports that “during 2007 a total of 38,371 drug-induced deaths occurred in the United States” (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/su6001a12.htm?s_cid=su6001a12_w)
The CDC reports ” It is estimated that there are more than 700,000 visits to emergency departments for adverse drug events each year in the United States. Nearly 120,000 of these patients need to be hospitalized for further treatment.” (http://www.cdc.gov/Features/MedicineSafety/ )
On the other hand, the more that dietary supplements are seriously investigated, the safer they appear to be. Of course, there is a rare incidence of death, such as deaths associated with taking ephedra, especially when combined with other recreational stimulants. However when we look at the big picture, the numbers are extremely favorable in terms of the safety of supplements. The American Association of Poison Control Centers released statistics in 2009 after an exhaustive 174 page study found that not even one death was caused by any dietary supplement in 2008. The data was published in the journal Clinical Toxicology and noted that there was zero deaths from multiple vitamins; B vitamins; vitamins A, C, D, or E; or any other vitamin. The list of supplements NOT linked to any death also includes amino acids, creatine, blue-green algae, glucosamine, chondroitin, melatonin and Homeopathic medicines. Herbal products were also contributed to zero deaths, including blue cohosh, echinacea, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, kava kava, St. John’s wort, valerian, yohimbe, Traditional Chinese Herbal medicines, ayurvedic medicines, or any other botanical. In fact, there were zero deaths from any dietary supplement. (Bronstein AC, Spyker DA, Cantilena LR Jr, et. al. 2008 Annual Report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers’ National Poison Data System (NPDS): 26th Annual Report. Clinical Toxicology (2009). 47, 911-1084. (http://www.aapcc.org/dnn/Portals/0/2008annualreport.pdf )
It is true that herbs can interact with medications and may make the medications less effective or even more dangerous. Its best to research any supplements that you intend to use or visit your highly trained holistic health practitioner for guidance if you are on prescription medications.
However, with this kind of excellent safety record, and well as the much lower cost associated with supplements vs pharmaceuticals, its time for conventional medical care to include the use of safe supplements as a first line intervention, and save the more expensive, dangerous and aggressive drug therapies for those cases that do not respond to diet, lifestyle and dietary supplement intervention.
However, the real dangerous culprit is highly regulated pharmaceutical drugs !
Many commonly used drugs are linked to disease. For instance, the use of antibiotics is associated with an increased risk of fatal breast cancer (JAMA, Feb 4, 2004). Regular use of painkillers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen increases the risk of chronic kidney failure. (New Engl Jour Med Dec 20, 2001) Another research study notes that medications pose a significant risk to patients, with 1.9 million adverse drug events occurring each year, and up to 180,000 of these are life threatening or fatal (JAMA, Mar 5, 2003). Note the severity and astronomical numbers associated with adverse drug events, vs. the small incidence of adverse events due to supplements. Clearly, the 43 million dollars spent on FDA drug regulation does not make drugs safe.
New reports continue to stress the severe danger associated with the responsible use of pharmaceutical drugs. In fact, the CDC reports that “during 2007 a total of 38,371 drug-induced deaths occurred in the United States” (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/su6001a12.htm?s_cid=su6001a12_w)
The CDC reports ” It is estimated that there are more than 700,000 visits to emergency departments for adverse drug events each year in the United States. Nearly 120,000 of these patients need to be hospitalized for further treatment.” (http://www.cdc.gov/Features/MedicineSafety/ )
On the other hand, the more that dietary supplements are seriously investigated, the safer they appear to be. Of course, there is a rare incidence of death, such as deaths associated with taking ephedra, especially when combined with other recreational stimulants. However when we look at the big picture, the numbers are extremely favorable in terms of the safety of supplements. The American Association of Poison Control Centers released statistics in 2009 after an exhaustive 174 page study found that not even one death was caused by any dietary supplement in 2008. The data was published in the journal Clinical Toxicology and noted that there was zero deaths from multiple vitamins; B vitamins; vitamins A, C, D, or E; or any other vitamin. The list of supplements NOT linked to any death also includes amino acids, creatine, blue-green algae, glucosamine, chondroitin, melatonin and Homeopathic medicines. Herbal products were also contributed to zero deaths, including blue cohosh, echinacea, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, kava kava, St. John’s wort, valerian, yohimbe, Traditional Chinese Herbal medicines, ayurvedic medicines, or any other botanical. In fact, there were zero deaths from any dietary supplement. (Bronstein AC, Spyker DA, Cantilena LR Jr, et. al. 2008 Annual Report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers’ National Poison Data System (NPDS): 26th Annual Report. Clinical Toxicology (2009). 47, 911-1084. (http://www.aapcc.org/dnn/Portals/0/2008annualreport.pdf )
It is true that herbs can interact with medications and may make the medications less effective or even more dangerous. Its best to research any supplements that you intend to use or visit your highly trained holistic health practitioner for guidance if you are on prescription medications.
However, with this kind of excellent safety record, and well as the much lower cost associated with supplements vs pharmaceuticals, its time for conventional medical care to include the use of safe supplements as a first line intervention, and save the more expensive, dangerous and aggressive drug therapies for those cases that do not respond to diet, lifestyle and dietary supplement intervention.
The Truth About Fish Oil
Many people are told to get on fish oil by their doctor and start with a drug called Lovaza. This fish oil is in a very cheap form that causes many side effects and makes insurance companies pay astronomical amounts. Please read the following article about the differences in prescription and good fish oil. We like Bluebonnets Heart Formula as it uses EPAX raw material.
Fish Oil Triglycerides vs. Ethyl Esters
by Michael Gross, MS, and Susan Klein, ND December 2009
Omega-3s from fish oil, eicosapantaeonic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) come to consumers in one of two forms: triglycerides or ethyl esters. One of the most controversial and debated quality issues surrounding fish oil is which form of fish oil is best – Triglyceride (TG) or Ethyl Ester (EE)?
What form are the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) in when we absorb them from eating fish? The answer is triglyceride. Over 98% of all fats ingested are in triglyceride form.
Cost vs. Absorption
Ethyl ester forms of omega-3 fatty acid supplements are becoming more prevalent in the market because of the cost: they are cheaper to produce than triglyceride forms. The industry created ethyl ester because they are a more malleable form than triglycerides. They have a much higher boiling point, and are easier to work with when processing for supplement distribution.
The main purpose of molecular distillation is to remove the industrial contaminants (e.g., heavy metals, dioxins, and PCBs) present in the commodity fish oils most supplement makers use, and concentrate the omega-3 molecules, EPA and DHA. In this model sterility overshadows efficacy
Studies have shown that ethyl esters are the least bio-available forms of omega-3’s compared to TG forms and/or whole fish.(1) Once purification is complete through the micro distillation process why would the manufacturer leave them in an EE form – COST.
The process to convert fish oil EEs back to TGs is costly. Bulk oil costs for TG concentrates are typically 30-40% higher than EE concentrates.
Fish Oil Triglycerides vs. Ethyl Esters
by Michael Gross, MS, and Susan Klein, ND December 2009
Omega-3s from fish oil, eicosapantaeonic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) come to consumers in one of two forms: triglycerides or ethyl esters. One of the most controversial and debated quality issues surrounding fish oil is which form of fish oil is best – Triglyceride (TG) or Ethyl Ester (EE)?
What form are the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) in when we absorb them from eating fish? The answer is triglyceride. Over 98% of all fats ingested are in triglyceride form.
Cost vs. Absorption
Ethyl ester forms of omega-3 fatty acid supplements are becoming more prevalent in the market because of the cost: they are cheaper to produce than triglyceride forms. The industry created ethyl ester because they are a more malleable form than triglycerides. They have a much higher boiling point, and are easier to work with when processing for supplement distribution.
The main purpose of molecular distillation is to remove the industrial contaminants (e.g., heavy metals, dioxins, and PCBs) present in the commodity fish oils most supplement makers use, and concentrate the omega-3 molecules, EPA and DHA. In this model sterility overshadows efficacy
Studies have shown that ethyl esters are the least bio-available forms of omega-3’s compared to TG forms and/or whole fish.(1) Once purification is complete through the micro distillation process why would the manufacturer leave them in an EE form – COST.
The process to convert fish oil EEs back to TGs is costly. Bulk oil costs for TG concentrates are typically 30-40% higher than EE concentrates.
Micro Distillation
Ethyl esters are produced by reacting crude fish oil in a free fatty acid form with ethanol (an industrial alcohol) to form a synthetic substrate. Under a vacuum, the mix is then heat distilled and the resulting condensate is a concentrated omega-3 ethyl ester solution. The concentration of the omega-3 fatty acid depends on the variables of the distillation process but normally results in a 50-70% omega-3 solution. (2)
The process of converting TGs to EEs is necessary from a technical standpoint in the production of fish oil concentrates to purify the oil. However, once this molecular distillation process is completed, there is an option to leave the fatty acids in free form, attached to an ethyl alcohol backbone, or to reattach them to a glycerol backbone (triglyceride).
Metabolism
While in the EE form, the glycerol backbone is missing. Therefore, the fatty acids will find an available triglyceride backbone or take one from an existing molecule. If the latter occurs, the molecule missing the backbone will look for another backbone, and so on, creating a domino effect. The free fatty acids are taken up by the enterocytes (gut epithelium) and must be reconverted to TGs to be transported in the blood. (3) Fats are stored and transported in the body in triglyceride form.
Research shows that after ingestion of an omega-3 fatty acid molecule in triglyceride form, the fatty acids are cut from the glycerol backbone, then the backbone and fatty acids are absorbed via the gut epithelial cells and immediately reattached to form the natural triglyceride.(4)
This is supported by our own understanding of human physiology: when ethyl esters are consumed, they are processed in the liver, where the ethanol is drawn off, and the body must then rebuild the resulting free fatty acids back into a triglyceride. The EEs that get digested produce free fatty acids plus ethanol. This is certainly a less efficient absorption process compared with the direct intake of a natural form triglyceride because the EE form must be reconverted in the body back to a TG form. The delay in TG re-synthesis suggests that transport to the blood is more efficient in natural TG fish oils in comparison to EE.(5)(6)(7) Furthermore, this delay of TG re-synthesis in EE fish oils causes a release of ethyl alcohol and may subsequently produce oxidative stress by releasing free radicals in addition to releasing the ethanol.(8)
Just the Science
A bioavailability of different omega-3 formulations was reported by Dyerberg (the father of fish oil), 95 et al. Seventy-two healthy subjects were allocated to be given a reesterified TG, EE free fatty acid, fish oil or cod liver oil preparation for two weeks. The concentration of EPA and DHA was highest in the re-esterified TG group and lowest in the cod liver oil group. (9)
A similar study also concluded that only 20 percent of the omega-3s in the standard ethyl ester from were absorbed, unless they were taken with a high-fat meal, which raised the absorption level three-fold, to 60 percent.(10) In contrast, the absorption of other fish derived omega-3s (EPA and DHA) in their natural triglyceride from was substantially greater in either context (high fat or low fat): absorption of DHA was equally superior with either low-fat meals or high-fat meals, while participants’ absorption of EPA increased from an already-high 69 percent to 90 percent when taken with a high-fat meal.(11)
Ethyl esters are produced by reacting crude fish oil in a free fatty acid form with ethanol (an industrial alcohol) to form a synthetic substrate. Under a vacuum, the mix is then heat distilled and the resulting condensate is a concentrated omega-3 ethyl ester solution. The concentration of the omega-3 fatty acid depends on the variables of the distillation process but normally results in a 50-70% omega-3 solution. (2)
The process of converting TGs to EEs is necessary from a technical standpoint in the production of fish oil concentrates to purify the oil. However, once this molecular distillation process is completed, there is an option to leave the fatty acids in free form, attached to an ethyl alcohol backbone, or to reattach them to a glycerol backbone (triglyceride).
Metabolism
While in the EE form, the glycerol backbone is missing. Therefore, the fatty acids will find an available triglyceride backbone or take one from an existing molecule. If the latter occurs, the molecule missing the backbone will look for another backbone, and so on, creating a domino effect. The free fatty acids are taken up by the enterocytes (gut epithelium) and must be reconverted to TGs to be transported in the blood. (3) Fats are stored and transported in the body in triglyceride form.
Research shows that after ingestion of an omega-3 fatty acid molecule in triglyceride form, the fatty acids are cut from the glycerol backbone, then the backbone and fatty acids are absorbed via the gut epithelial cells and immediately reattached to form the natural triglyceride.(4)
This is supported by our own understanding of human physiology: when ethyl esters are consumed, they are processed in the liver, where the ethanol is drawn off, and the body must then rebuild the resulting free fatty acids back into a triglyceride. The EEs that get digested produce free fatty acids plus ethanol. This is certainly a less efficient absorption process compared with the direct intake of a natural form triglyceride because the EE form must be reconverted in the body back to a TG form. The delay in TG re-synthesis suggests that transport to the blood is more efficient in natural TG fish oils in comparison to EE.(5)(6)(7) Furthermore, this delay of TG re-synthesis in EE fish oils causes a release of ethyl alcohol and may subsequently produce oxidative stress by releasing free radicals in addition to releasing the ethanol.(8)
Just the Science
A bioavailability of different omega-3 formulations was reported by Dyerberg (the father of fish oil), 95 et al. Seventy-two healthy subjects were allocated to be given a reesterified TG, EE free fatty acid, fish oil or cod liver oil preparation for two weeks. The concentration of EPA and DHA was highest in the re-esterified TG group and lowest in the cod liver oil group. (9)
A similar study also concluded that only 20 percent of the omega-3s in the standard ethyl ester from were absorbed, unless they were taken with a high-fat meal, which raised the absorption level three-fold, to 60 percent.(10) In contrast, the absorption of other fish derived omega-3s (EPA and DHA) in their natural triglyceride from was substantially greater in either context (high fat or low fat): absorption of DHA was equally superior with either low-fat meals or high-fat meals, while participants’ absorption of EPA increased from an already-high 69 percent to 90 percent when taken with a high-fat meal.(11)
Evidence suggests that triglyceride (TG) fish oils are better absorbed in comparison to EEs. Natural TG fish oil results in 50% more plasma EPA and DHA after absorption in comparison to EE oils, TG forms of EPA and DHA were shown to be 48% and 36% better absorbed than EE forms, EPA incorporation into plasma lipids was found to be considerably smaller and took longer when administered as an EE.(12)
Omega-3 fish oils in the form of EEs are much less stable than those in the natural TG form and readily oxidize. The oxidation kinetics of DHA as an EE or as a TG was assessed by measuring the concentration of oxygen found in the head space of a reaction vessel with both TG and EE forms. (13) The EE form of DHA was more reactive, and quickly oxidized, demonstrating that EE fish oils are far less stable and more readily product harmful oxidation products. (14) Furthermore, the stability of oil containing DHA in phospholipid triglyceride, and EE form has been assessed. After a 10-week oxidation period, the EE DHA oil decayed 33% more rapidly. (15)
Side Effects: Ethyl Ester vs. Triglyceride
Ethyl Ester Form:
The ethanol in EE form MUST be filtered through the liver. As we have just discussed, when ethyl esters are consumed, they are processed in the liver, where the ethanol is drawn off, and the body must then rebuild the resulting free fatty acids back into a triglyceride. Any form of alcohol filtering through the liver runs the risk of side effects.
The most common side effects: burping (thus the need for enteric coating), infection, flu symptoms, upset stomach, a change in your sense of taste, back pain, and skin rash. Indeed, the impact of ethanol release from ethyl ester forms of fish oil can be documented under the adverse events section in the prescribing information for Lovaza, the EE prescription form of fish oil. Some of these adverse events include body odor, vomiting, gastrointestinal disorder, pancreatitis, cardiac impact and hypertriglyceridemia (which is paradoxically the clinical issue for which this drug is prescribed). All of these side effects are a result of the toxicity of the ethanol released form this highly concentrated EE form.
Triglyceride Form:
NONE
Almost all Clinical Evidence showing Omega-3 benefits relate to fish consumption. Fish are in a TG form. There are NO ethyl ester fish in nature. Humans must consume fish oil in the same form as the fish to receive the maximum benefits.
Ethyl esters have been in the human food chain approximately 20 years.
Triglyceride fatty acids have been eaten safely, and for great benefit, for an estimated 600 million years.
Omega-3 fish oils in the form of EEs are much less stable than those in the natural TG form and readily oxidize. The oxidation kinetics of DHA as an EE or as a TG was assessed by measuring the concentration of oxygen found in the head space of a reaction vessel with both TG and EE forms. (13) The EE form of DHA was more reactive, and quickly oxidized, demonstrating that EE fish oils are far less stable and more readily product harmful oxidation products. (14) Furthermore, the stability of oil containing DHA in phospholipid triglyceride, and EE form has been assessed. After a 10-week oxidation period, the EE DHA oil decayed 33% more rapidly. (15)
Side Effects: Ethyl Ester vs. Triglyceride
Ethyl Ester Form:
The ethanol in EE form MUST be filtered through the liver. As we have just discussed, when ethyl esters are consumed, they are processed in the liver, where the ethanol is drawn off, and the body must then rebuild the resulting free fatty acids back into a triglyceride. Any form of alcohol filtering through the liver runs the risk of side effects.
The most common side effects: burping (thus the need for enteric coating), infection, flu symptoms, upset stomach, a change in your sense of taste, back pain, and skin rash. Indeed, the impact of ethanol release from ethyl ester forms of fish oil can be documented under the adverse events section in the prescribing information for Lovaza, the EE prescription form of fish oil. Some of these adverse events include body odor, vomiting, gastrointestinal disorder, pancreatitis, cardiac impact and hypertriglyceridemia (which is paradoxically the clinical issue for which this drug is prescribed). All of these side effects are a result of the toxicity of the ethanol released form this highly concentrated EE form.
Triglyceride Form:
NONE
Almost all Clinical Evidence showing Omega-3 benefits relate to fish consumption. Fish are in a TG form. There are NO ethyl ester fish in nature. Humans must consume fish oil in the same form as the fish to receive the maximum benefits.
Ethyl esters have been in the human food chain approximately 20 years.
Triglyceride fatty acids have been eaten safely, and for great benefit, for an estimated 600 million years.
The Truth About Cancer Treatments
I really want to share two responses posted on Suzanne Summers website from leaders in the treatment of cancer without toxic and deadly chemotherapy. Please view the following links to learn more.
http://www.suzannesomers.com/Blog/post/Dateline.aspx
http://www.suzannesomers.com/Blog/post/Dr-Nick-Gonzalez-e28093-Dateline-Response-to-KNOCKOUT-Alternative-Cancer-Treatment.aspx
http://www.suzannesomers.com/Blog/post/Dateline.aspx
http://www.suzannesomers.com/Blog/post/Dr-Nick-Gonzalez-e28093-Dateline-Response-to-KNOCKOUT-Alternative-Cancer-Treatment.aspx
The Truth About Cholesterol And Statins
Statins are possibly the most over prescribed medication on the market. There is quite a bit of misinformation about cholesterol and the best way to treat it. We often use red yeast rice, ubiquinol, and fish oil with great success and have easily verified this through blood work results.
Here is a very informative interview with one of the leading experts on cholesterol. It has two parts so read them both.
http://www.drpasswater.com/nutrition_library/CholesterolScam.html
http://www.drpasswater.com/nutrition_library/CholesterolScam2.html
Here is a very informative interview with one of the leading experts on cholesterol. It has two parts so read them both.
http://www.drpasswater.com/nutrition_library/CholesterolScam.html
http://www.drpasswater.com/nutrition_library/CholesterolScam2.html
The Truth About Multi-Vitamins Being Dangerous
The media recently had two studies released that stated multi-vitamins and vitamin E are dangerous. The following is a review of the research and study design that shows how incorrect that really is.
Several weeks ago, two studies that appeared in medical journals achieved widespread media attention and created concern among people who are using nutritional supplements. One study concluded that the use of multivitamins or of certain individual supplements was associated with small but statistically significant increases in the mortality rate. The other study found that taking vitamin E increased the incidence of prostate cancer. The discussion below explains why neither of these studies has changed my view that nutritional supplements are, for the most part, very safe.
Observational study: "adjusted" data and no proof of cause-and-effect
In one of the studies, 38,772 women (mean age, 62 years) from Iowa filled out a questionnaire three times over an 18-year period regarding dietary supplement use. During a total follow-up period of 22 years, the risk of dying from any cause was said to be 6% higher among women who took a multivitamin supplement than among women who did not take a multivitamin. In addition, the use of individual supplements of vitamin B6, folic acid, iron, magnesium, zinc, and copper were said to be associated with increased mortality rates.1
A potentially serious problem with this study is that the researchers did not report actual mortality rates. Instead they compared "adjusted" mortality rates between supplement users and nonusers, by adjusting for a wide range of factors including caloric intake, cigarette smoking, body mass index, blood pressure, educational level, diabetes, use of hormone-replacement therapy, physical activity, and intake of fruits and vegetables. For each of these factors, the supplement users were in the "healthier" category (for example, less diabetes, less obesity, more physical activity, fewer smokers, and higher intake of fruits and vegetables), and would therefore have been expected to have lower mortality rates than the nonusers. Consequently, the mortality rate of the supplement users was presumably adjusted upward, when compared with the mortality rate of the nonusers. Epidemiology is a relatively crude and inexact science, and it is quite possible that the researchers "over-adjusted" the data, making the mortality rate among supplement users look higher than it really was. When the researchers adjusted the data only for age and caloric intake, there was no statistically significant difference in mortality rate between supplement users and nonusers, a point that was not mentioned in the media coverage of this study.
Another weakness of the study is that it was observational in nature. In contrast to randomized controlled trials, observational studies cannot prove cause-and-effect. There have been a number of instances in the history of medical research in which the results of observational studies were eventually contradicted by randomized controlled trials. For example, numerous observational studies suggested that the use of hormone-replacement therapy by postmenopausal women prevents heart disease, but subsequent randomized controlled trials demonstrated that hormone-replacement therapy either has no effect or actually increases the risk of heart disease.
One of the many potential sources of error in observational studies is what is known as "confounding by indication," which in the present study would denote a failure to adjust for why the participants were taking nutritional supplements. To be sure, the supplement users were healthier than the nonusers according to the various parameters that the researchers measured. However, the supplement users may have been less healthy than nonusers according to a number of parameters that were not measured. Reasons that people might take nutritional supplements include recurrent migraines, asthma, persistent fatigue, recurrent infections, joint pains, or a family history of heart disease or other diseases. Some of these indications for supplement use may be associated with an increased risk of mortality.
Because of these weaknesses, the new study does not negate previous research demonstrating that vitamins and minerals can have a wide range of health benefits. One exception: the use of iron supplements by people who are not iron-deficient or who carry a gene for iron overload could have adverse consequences.
Vitamin E and prostate cancer: does the type of vitamin E matter?
In the other study, 35,533 men were randomly assigned to receive 400 IU per day of vitamin E (in the form of alpha-tocopherol) or placebo for an average of 5.5 years, and the men were then followed for a total of approximately 7 years. During that time, the incidence of prostate cancer was significantly higher by 17% in the vitamin E group than in the placebo group.2
Although the study was well designed from a technical standpoint, it suffers from an important weakness, in that the type of vitamin E used was not the same as the vitamin E that occurs in food. Vitamin E is found in food in 4 different forms: alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol. However, as is the case with most vitamin E research, the men in this study were given only alpha-tocopherol. Early research suggested that most, if not all, of the biological activity of vitamin E is due to alpha-tocopherol, but it is now known that at least one of the other components-gamma-tocopherol-has important functions. Furthermore, treatment with large doses of alpha-tocopherol has been shown to deplete gamma-tocopherol, potentially upsetting the natural balance of the different forms of vitamin E in the body. "Mixed tocopherols," on the other hand, a supplement that contains all four types of vitamin E, would not be expected to cause such an imbalance.
In a previous study, both alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol inhibited the growth of human prostate cancer cells in vitro, but gamma-tocopherol was the more potent of the two.3 In another study, higher blood levels of alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol were each associated a lower risk of developing prostate cancer, but the protective effect of gamma-tocopherol was greater than that of alpha-tocopherol.4
Clinical trials that used alpha-tocopherol in doses lower than 400 IU per day did not find an adverse effect on prostate cancer incidence. In a double-blind study of male smokers, compared with placebo, supplementation with 50 IU per day for 5-8 years significantly decreased the incidence of prostate cancer by 32%.5 In a double-blind study of male physicians, supplementation with 200 IU per day (400 IU every other day) for 8 years resulted in a nonsignificant 3% decrease in prostate cancer incidence, compared with placebo.6 Thus, the effect of alpha-tocopherol on prostate cancer appears to be dose-related: protective at low doses (50 IU per day), neutral or modestly protective at intermediate doses (200 IU per day), and harmful at high doses (400 IU per day).
The totality of the evidence suggests that alpha-tocopherol has a protective effect against prostate cancer. However, when alpha-tocopherol is given by itself in large doses (such as 400 IU per day or more), it depletes gamma-tocopherol, which could more than negate any beneficial effect that alpha-tocopherol might have. If that is the case, then taking vitamin E in the form of mixed tocopherols would not be expected to increase prostate cancer risk, and might even help prevent prostate cancer. Further research is needed to examine that possibility.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)