Vitamins as Medicines and Their Role in Health

Vitamin deficiency diseases

That megadoses of vitamins can prevent or treat various diseases

By controlling the body’s inflammatory response to viruses

<p>Preventing acute respiratory tract infections that can cause pneumonia</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>There is no strong scientific evidence that supports the use of vitamin D supplementation to reduce the severity and deadliness of COVID-19</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>People with lower than normal vitamin D levels may have a greater likelihood of developing a severe or fatal case of COVID-19</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It may interfere with the virus’s ability to make copies of itself</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Whether vitamin D supplementation can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 within populations</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Vitamin C supplements are unlikely to prevent or treat chronic diseases such as CVD, cognitive decline, and cancer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Because these substances work together to enhance health, and isolating or synthesizing them may reduce their usefulness and increase their risks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>There is a lack of credible scientific evidence for or against using dietary supplements to prevent major chronic diseases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Combining a nutritious diet with regular exercise.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Quitting tobacco use may have a greater beneficial impact on long-term health than improving diet or increasing physical activity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>People who consume diets containing high amounts of vitamin C–rich fruits and vegetables have a lower risk of cancer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Results of studies do not support the usefulness of taking vitamin C supplements to prevent cancer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It may be useful in treating cancer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It highlights the widespread use of dietary supplements despite a lack of credible scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Chronic diseases have complex causes, including inherited factors and lifestyle practices, and are not simply caused by a lack of vitamin C.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>There is no evidence that short-term use of vitamin B-6, by itself or along with other B vitamins, can prevent or slow cognitive decline among older adults.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Megadoses of vitamin C could prevent colds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It does not prevent the common cold.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It may reduce the duration of cold symptoms by a day or so.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Vitamin drips can improve the condition of skin and hair.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Risk of skin infection where the needle is inserted or serious blood infection if sterile techniques are not used during needle insertion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>By mouth, especially water, and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It may reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, lowering the risk of CVD.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>No difference, but 'ester' forms are usually more expensive.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To administer fluids and medications directly into a patient’s bloodstream through a vein.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Abnormal liver function that may require hospitalization.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The dosage of vitamin E and the length of time the supplements are administered during clinical tests may not be sufficient to detect positive effects on health.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mild cognitive impairment</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Increased risk of prostate cancer (in men) and hemorrhagic stroke</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Niacin can reduce elevated LDL cholesterol levels when taken in high doses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Severe sensory nerve damage</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Elevated blood levels of homocysteine</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cognitive decline that often occurs with aging</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mixed results</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The fact that a very small amount of a vitamin can prevent or cure the vitamin’s deficiency disease</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Because high doses of vitamins and related compounds can have druglike effects in the body, leading to unpleasant and even dangerous side effects</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Lower risk of certain cancers, heart disease, and age-related macular degeneration</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Smokers who took beta-carotene supplements were more likely to die of lung cancer than smokers who took placebos</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Genetics, smoking, and advanced age</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The combination of vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and minerals copper and zinc slowed the progression of vision loss associated with advanced macular degeneration</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It was not helpful in delaying the progression of AMD</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>There is no scientific evidence that taking antioxidant supplements prevents healthy people from developing AMD</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Lutein and zeaxanthin</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It delayed the progression of AMD</p> Signup and view all the answers