Do Vitamin Supplements Really Reduce Infections?

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"OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement on infection and well-being..."

'RESULTS: A multivitamin and mineral supplement reduced the incidence of participant-recorded infection and related absenteeism in a sample of participants with type 2 diabetes...and a high prevalence of ...nutrient deficiency...

"However, in the largest subgroup (nondiabetic persons), no difference was seen between those who received vitamins and those who received placebo 'essentially blank pills.]"

Source of "Do Vitamin Supplements Really Reduce Infections?"

From: Annals of Internal Medicine, vol. 138, 2003, By: Barringer, Kirk, Santaniello, Foley & Michielutte, U. of N. Carolina School of Med. at Carolinas Med. Ctr., Charlotte, and Wake Forest U. School of Med., Winston-Salem, NC.

DETAILS: We see the problem as substituting vitamin pills for foods containing vitamins and other helpful substances. Plants for example, contain many substances to ward off infection and invasion. Some of these work together. Plucking out one or more substances may reduce the synergistic (complimentary enhancement) effects of these nutrients. Also, by taking pills only, we are not getting beneficial ingredients that are not present in pills. Two examples of the latter are isothiocyanates in broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower, and resveratrol in dark grapes. Obviously there was benefit for the severely malnourished.