Multivitamins Ineffective in Preventing Cancer and Heart Disease in Older Women

In a recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers found that taking a daily multivitamin did not reduce the risk of cancer or heart disease in women over 50. The Women’s Health Initiative study, which is one of the largest to look at health and diet among women in this age group, included over 161,000 women ages 50 to 79. The women were observed for an average of eight years, with more than 40 percent of those participants taking some type of supplement during the duration of the study. Researchers found that these multivitamins were ineffective in preventing breast, ovarian, colorectal, stomach, lung, bladder and other cancers. The study also revealed that the risk of heart attack and stroke were not reduced by these daily multivitamins either. Previous studies with men involving selenium, vitamin E and vitamin C revealed that these supplements were not effective in preventing prostate cancer.

Many doctors and medical professionals encourage their postmenopausal female patients to take daily multivitamins. However, this study reveals that these supplements are not beneficial if they are only being taken to reduce the risk of cancer or heart disease, but still may help improve overall health. For those women, or men, that are looking to lower their cancer and heart disease risk, the most effective way to get those helpful antioxidants is by including fruits and vegetables in their regular diets. In studies looking at the effect of antioxidants on cancer prevention, researchers found that people with diets high in antioxidants have a lower risk of developing cancer than those with lower levels. So, it is important to maintain a healthy diet if you are looking to reap all of the benefits that come from healthy foods. Unfortunately, even when all preventative measures are taken, cancer and heart disease may still develop, requiring treatment by a doctor or hospital. If you or a loved one has experienced a delay in diagnosis or treatment of a cancer or heart attack in New York, contact Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. today for your free consultation. We serve clients with Bronx medical malpractice, Brooklyn medical malpractice, Queens medical malpractice and Long Island medical malpractice cases. Our experienced attorneys will evaluate the facts of your situation and answer any questions you may have regarding your case.

Call toll-free 1-877-ASK4SAM and visit www.ask4sam.net