June 23, 1994 marks the date, when the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJOM) reported the hazardous effects of synthetic vitamin supplements intake in elderly people (assumed average of 63 years of age) who previously experienced muscle weakness and overall physical frailty. The study did not demonstrate any substantial improvement in the health of elderly Americans who were taking typical, over the counter, multi-vitamin supplements.
Similarly, researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) discovered considerable negative effects caused by multivitamin intake. In accordance with their findings, men who took more than the recommended one synthetic multivitamin per day, had 32 percent more chance of developing prostate cancer, and nearly doubled the risk of other kinds of fatal cancer.
A complex research study at the University of Washington demonstrated that the ten year intake of high doses of synthetic vitamin E, increases the risk of lung cancer in smokers. 181,000 adults took part in 47 randomized trials which concluded with a crucial finding that synthetic vitamins A, E, and beta carotene, either alone or in combination, increased a person’s risk of death by up to 16 percent. Further analysis of researchers at John Hopkins found that consumption of 400 IU or more of synthetic vitamin E per day leads to a higher risk of dying and should be avoided. Likewise, synthetic vitamin A increases the risk of liver and lung cancer, and can be the leading cause of birth defects and reduced bone density. Overdosing of synthetic vitamin A can be lethal. Among other side effects of overdosing, subjects reported blurred vision, headaches, and vomiting, altogether with liver, bone, and central nervous system problems.
In the beginning of the 19th century, one of the prison’s in London removed potatoes from inmate’s diets. Following this change, there was an outbreak of scurvy due to vitamin C deficiency. Contrary to everyone’s belief, a high dose of synthetic vitamin C would not cure the disease. Once the potatoes were back in prisoner’s diets the epidemic was cured. On average, one potato contains about 16-20 mgs of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). High potency of Vitamin C found in potatoes was the only solution to the outbreak of scurvy. The general public usually buys the crystalline-pure, chemically-isolated synthetic ascorbic acid, labelled as Vitamin C, however its chemical build is very different from the Vitamin C complex as found in fruit, for example.
The synthetic isolate of ascorbic acid is easy to produce and for convenience is labelled as Vitamin C. The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of Vitamin C is 60 mg. Regular, daily intake of ascorbic acid reduces the white blood cell count, hindering the immune system rather than helping it. Intake of large doses of ascorbic acid among other side effects, includes: the weakening of red blood cells, kidney calcification, destruction of vitamin B12, irritation of mucus membranes lining the gastrointestinal tract, interference with mineral metabolism, depletion of blood copper levels, inhibition of adrenal gland hormones, reduced activity of white blood cells, interruption of pregnancy, and reduced production of insulin.
REFERENCES:
The Reader’s Digest, November, 2007 issue
David Juan, M.D.; The Vitamin doctor
Richard P. Murray, D.C., P.A.; Natural vs. Synthetic, Life vs. Death, Truth vs. The Lie
Dr. Royal Lee; The Lee Foundation for Nutritional Research
Judith A. DeCava : The Real Truth About Vitamins
Lorrie Medford, C.N. ; Why Do I Need Whole Food Supplements
Dr. Bruce West ; Health Alert Newsletter
Life Enthusiast Co-op, 2006, Article by Tim O'Shea.
Vinson J.A., "Bioavailability of Vitamin C", 1991.
