As Economy Is Down, Vitamin Sales Are Up
Apr 05, 2009 in Diet and Nutrition
The New York Times recently reported that vitamin sales are climbing despite a stagnant economy. The article points to the high cost of pharmaceuticals and increased unemployment as the main reasons for consumers replacing their prescriptions with supplements and herbal remedies.
However, a recent reassessment of the data from the Woman’s Health Initiative Study shed doubt on the long term benefits of multivitamins. According to the study, multivitamin use did not affect the long term risk of common cancers, cardiovascular disease, or total mortality.
Adding to the fray, another article from the New York Times chimed in with bad news for Vitamin E. The claim: Could the antioxidant vitamin with presumed anti-aging potential do more harm than good? The author makes a strong case for avoiding the over consumption of vitamin E.
On the other hand, another recent report highlighted the risks associated with low blood levels of vitamin D. Don’t have enough vitamin D in your diet? You could be up to 2.3 more likely of developing dementia.
It’s hard finding alternatives in tough economic times. And here is the least expensive way to boost you health on a budget: exercise. The moral of the story? Mom was right — take your vitamins (in moderation) and go play outside.
May 3rd, 2009 on 9:43 pm
I find your conclusion a bit lacking, in that you promote the importance of exercise and vitamin consumption (albeit in moderation), yet have nothing to say about keeping a healthy diet in general. (And considering your affection for preventive care, I can’t believe you didn’t give a shout out to celery and carrots.)
Isn’t it safe to say that one could eliminate multi/mega/awesome vitamin and mineral supplements from his/her daily regimen, simply by keeping a healthy diet? To me, multivitamins have become in some cases an excuse or shortcut towards not maintaining a healthy diet, while moderation and disciplined eating usualy occupy the road less taken. I mean, hey, why eat those dark leafy antioxidant rich vegetables when I can just pop a couple Flinstones Chewables and wash them down with a cold PBR? To this extreme, vitamins can operate as an enabler for other unhealthful practices.
Moreover, in tough economic times shouldn’t we want to cut out the middleman all together? Next time you are in the grocery store skip the vitamins and go straight for the brussel sprouts (okay fine, brocoli.)
May 3rd, 2009 on 9:43 pm
I totally agree. The importance of a balanced diet can’t be overstated. But supplemental vitamins and minerals are still important. For instance, vitamin D is mainly in dairy (fortified) and fish. Plant foods, however, do not contain vitamin D, so vegetarians and vegans need supplement their intake.
Skip the middleman and go straight for the brussel sprouts, you say? Here’s one better: skip the middle of the grocery store. The foods in the perimeter of the store have no preservatives, lower sodium, and are much more nutritious than their processed alternatives.
Thanks for the comment. I appreciate the humor and your constructive criticism. “I mean, hey, why eat those dark leafy antioxidant rich vegetables when I can just pop a couple Flinstones Chewables and wash them down with a cold PBR?”. Ha ha.