"As more seniors turn to dietary supplements, more data needed".
I read the article "As more seniors turn to dietary supplements, more data needed" from the Health/Science section of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Monday, February 3rd, 2003. What the article was basically telling the reader was that many supplements that senior citizens have been taking are not as effective as previous research had said. The non-profit Institute of Medicine has endorsed the need for adequate intake of vitamin B-12, calcium, and vitamin D in our senior citizens. There has been less argument on the value of some other supplements, such as vitamin E and beta carotene, both which have been included in several large-scale studies in their possible effects against cancer. Research has convinced some that an imbalance between oxidants and anti-oxidants can cause damage to DNA, proteins, and fats in the body. The problems holding back some of the research for the right supplements for senior citizens include hampering by methodological problems, and physiological changes in aging which can affect supplement absorption. The good news for the seniors who don't take any supplements is that research suggests that they are more apt to eat a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables to begin with, less likely to smoke or drink to excess and more physically active than those who do not take supplements.
I personally believe that it is good to take the right supplements, and think that the article make perfect sense. The struggle in today's world seems to be which supplement give you the most bang for your buck and the most gain. The article explains to readers who might not understand or are thinking about taking supplements to take a second thought about what you are taking, and I think that is a good thing.