Author
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Hunt, Janet |
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Submitted to: North Dakota Academy of Science Proceedings
Publication Type: Other Publication Acceptance Date: 4/15/1999 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: There is considerable scientific interest in determining the possible value of nutrient supplements to improve diets, promote health, and prevent disease. Vitamin and mineral supplements cannot replace good diets because not all healthful food components have been identified, a variety of foods provides a balanced nutrient distribution, and exposure to small quantities of a large variety of compounds in foods activates physiological defenses. Because people who use supplements also consume more fruits and vegetables and more nutrients from foods, any observations of reduced disease risk cannot accurately be attributed to supplement use rather than diet or other differences. This limitation of survey results can be overcome by placebo-controlled, randomized double-blind supplementation studies. Such controlled studies of calcium, folic acid, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and selenium supplements will be further discussed. In evaluating whether to supplement or not to supplement, emphasis should be placed on the need for sound scientific evidence to determine both safety and effectiveness. Required amounts of most nutrients can be met by diet alone, but supplementation may be beneficial in some circumstances, when indicated by well-accepted scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness. The best nutritional strategy for promoting optimal health and reducing the risk of chronic disease is to consume and enjoy a wide variety of foods. Technical Abstract: There is considerable scientific interest in determining the possible value of nutrient supplements to improve diets, promote health, and prevent disease. Vitamin and mineral supplements cannot replace good diets because not all healthful food components have been identified, a variety of foods provides a balanced nutrient distribution, and exposure to small quantities of a large variety of compounds in foods activates physiological defenses. Because people who use supplements also consume more fruits and vegetables and more nutrients from foods, any observations of reduced disease risk cannot accurately be attributed to supplement use rather than diet or other differences. This limitation of survey results can be overcome by placebo-controlled, randomized double-blind supplementation studies. Such controlled studies of calcium, folic acid, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and selenium supplements will be further discussed. In evaluating whether to supplement or not to supplement, emphasis should be placed on the need for sound scientific evidence to determine both safety and effectiveness. Required amounts of most nutrients can be met by diet alone, but supplementation may be beneficial in some circumstances, when indicated by well-accepted scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness. The best nutritional strategy for promoting optimal health and reducing the risk of chronic disease is to consume and enjoy a wide variety of foods. |
