Vitamins as Medicines

Vitamin supplements are effective for treating people with specific vitamin deficiency diseases, metabolic defects that increase vitamin requirements, and a few other medical conditions.

Vitamin D helps control the body's inflammatory response to viruses and may interfere with the virus's ability to make copies of itself.

There is no strong scientific evidence that supports the use of vitamin D supplementation to reduce the severity and deadliness of COVID-19.

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

<p>Taking vitamin D supplements is a safe and effective way to prevent acute respiratory tract infections that can cause pneumonia.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Scientists are studying whether vitamin D supplementation can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 within populations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Vitamin D helps control the body's inflammatory response to viruses that cause respiratory infections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To interfere with urine testing for marijuana use, resulting in abnormal liver function requiring hospitalization</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Because the typical doses used in clinical studies may be insufficient to produce noticeable benefits</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To reduce elevated LDL cholesterol levels, and consulting a qualified medical practitioner to avoid toxicity</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Studies provide mixed results, and high doses can be toxic, causing sensory nerve damage</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Deficiencies may be associated with elevated homocysteine levels, but supplementing with these vitamins does not reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Some scientists believe poor vitamin B-6 status may contribute to cognitive decline</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The alpha-tocopherol form of vitamin E may not have beneficial effects, and study designs may not be suitable to detect positive outcomes</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Elevated homocysteine levels may be a biochemical marker or risk factor for cardiovascular disease</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The importance of responsible supplementation and consulting credible sources of nutrition information</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>Lower risk of certain cancers, heart disease, and age-related macular degeneration.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>No support was found to reduce the risk of cancer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The macula.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and the minerals copper and zinc.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>People should be cautious when using megadoses of vitamins as they can have druglike effects and cause side effects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Because a very small amount of a vitamin can prevent or cure the vitamin's deficiency disease.</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>to remember, understand, and use information</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>No evidence suggests that it can prevent or slow cognitive decline</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Vitamin C and the Common Cold</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It does not prevent colds</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>They can improve skin and hair condition, relieve hangovers, and more</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Skin infection or serious blood infection if sterile techniques are not used</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>By eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It reduces the oxidation of LDL cholesterol</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It is more likely to contribute to atherosclerosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The studies have not spanned long enough to capture the full effects of vitamin C supplementation on CVD risk, as CVD takes years and decades to develop.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Diets rich in vitamin C from fruits and vegetables are associated with a lower risk of cancer, but taking vitamin C supplements does not seem to have the same effect.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>These diseases have multiple causes, including inherited factors and lifestyle practices, and are not likely to be prevented or treated by a single supplement like vitamin C.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It may be the most effective way to lower the risk of CVD, cancer, and other chronic diseases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Isolating or synthesizing these substances may reduce their usefulness and increase their risks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Over $39 billion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>There is a lack of credible scientific evidence for or against using dietary supplements for this purpose.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>There is strong evidence to advise against the use of beta-carotene supplements, especially among smokers.</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 level.</p> Signup and view all the answers