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Multis Don't Prevent Disease in Women: Study

By the Associated Press

Posted Feb 9, 2009 7:35 PM CST

(AP) – The largest study ever of multivitamin use in older women found the pills did nothing to prevent common cancers or heart disease, the AP reports. The 8-year study in 161,808 postmenopausal women echoes recent disappointing vitamin studies in men. "Get nutrients from food," the study's lead author advised. "Whole foods are better than dietary supplements."

Co-author Dr. JoAnn Manson said despite the disappointing results, the research doesn't mean multivitamins are useless. For one thing, the data are observational, not the most rigorous kind of scientific research. Also, it's not clear if taking vitamins might help prevent cancers that take many years to develop. She said multivitamins may still be useful "as a form of insurance" for people with poor eating habits.

Bottles of Vitamin E are seen in a CVS pharmacy November 11, 2004 in New York City.
Bottles of Vitamin E are seen in a CVS pharmacy November 11, 2004 in New York City.   (Getty Images)
Bottles of Vitamin E are seen in a CVS pharmacy November 11, 2004 in New York City.
Bottles of Vitamin E are seen in a CVS pharmacy November 11, 2004 in New York City.   (Getty Images)
Centrum vitamins are offered for sale at a pharmacy June 20, 2005 in Chicago, Illinois.
Centrum vitamins are offered for sale at a pharmacy June 20, 2005 in Chicago, Illinois.   (Getty Images)
Bottles of Vitamin E are seen in a CVS pharmacy November 11, 2004 in New York City.
Bottles of Vitamin E are seen in a CVS pharmacy November 11, 2004 in New York City.   (Getty Images)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Guest
Feb 10, 2009 1:15 AM CST
So, what exactly is the point of taking multivitamins then?
Guest
Feb 9, 2009 10:49 PM CST
"Whole foods are better than dietary supplements." Smartest thing I've read on this site in a while
DeniseVB
Feb 9, 2009 8:42 PM CST
So what multivitamin claims to prevent the top five diseases that kill older women? No wonder the AP is on it's way out. Sloppy.

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