“We love the notion of a magic pill. It’s something that makes it all better.” Dr Paul Offitt, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
It’s the multi-billion dollar industry selling health supplements and vitamins – over the counter pills and capsules bought in enormous numbers by consumers.
“I really want to say, ‘Show me the data. Show me the evidence.'” Dr Joann Manson, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
But do they do you any good?
“You can sell something without any evidence that it’s safe or effective.” Dr Pieter Cohen, Harvard Medical School
Should you take vitamin D pills? What about vitamin E, multi-vitamins and fish oil?
“There is no compelling evidence that taking fish oils protects against the first heart attack, or a second heart attack. And so people who are advised to do that, or are doing it, are wasting their time and their money.” Dr Andrew Grey, University of Auckland
In this joint investigation from the New York Times and the PBS Frontline program, the report asks leading clinicians and researchers for their assessment of these products and whether the claimed health benefits can be proven.
“The crazy thing about the dietary supplement world is there are none of those studies, and the studies that are done say the stuff doesn’t work!” Dan Hurley, Author, ‘Natural Causes’
And some of these supplements and vitamins may actually be doing you harm.
“You actually can increase your risk of cancer, increase your risk of heart disease. I think few people know the risks they’re taking.”Dr Paul Offitt, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
The program raises troubling questions about the quality and safety of vitamins and dietary supplements.
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Links: Screenshot
Four Corners Episode 15 Supplements and Safety
285.7 MB
Published on: May 19, 2016 @ 13:45
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