Clinical Study Title:
Vitamins for chronic disease prevention in adults: clinical applications.

Plain English Summary:

There are many syndromes associated with deficiencies of vitamins and essential nutrients. Lesser levels of vitamins will increase a risk for chronic diseases. Specific vitamin deficiencies are related to various chronic diseases or cancer. Since it is difficult to try to supplement specific vitamins in separate pills, a daily multivitamin with specific ingredients is recommended. Vitamins B6 and B12 are protective against heart disease and some cancers, Vitamin D is good against many fractures and healing time, and Vitamins A, E, and C are related to many chronic diseases. Pregnant women should also look for folate in their multivitamin, and too much Vitamin A during pregnancy should be avoided. In general, the best way to gain the maximum protective benefits from vitamins is to use a good multivitamin.

Authors

Fletcher RH. Fairfield KM.

Institution

Department of Ambulatory Care and Prevention, Harvard Medical School/Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, 133 Brookline Ave, Sixth Floor, Boston, MA 02215, US

Country of Publication

United States

Source

JAMA. 287(23):3127-9, 2002 Jun 19.