Many of us are constantly aware of the need to be proactive in preventing cardiovascular disease. We try to eat "right", by reducing the intake of saturated fat and cholesterol in our diet. We try to exercise regularly and watch our weight. For years, many people have consumed millions of pounds of Vitamin E on the theory that it's anti-oxidant properties will help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Well, here is a flash for you.
"It is no longer possible in good conscience to advise patients to take Vitamin E to prevent cardiovascular disease", according to Dr. Robert Vogel, Chief of Cardiology at the University of Maryland. This is part of the findings presented at a recent meeting of the American College of Cardiology. For over twenty years the theory that it helped prevent cardiovascular disease was based on a "greatly misleading" body of observational studies only! This theory was put to the test and proved negative by three large randomized clinical trials. These clinical trials included 52,000 randomized, controlled patients (patients were matched to be similar by multiple criteria and then randomly selected to be given Vitamin E or a placebo). All three clinical trials demonstrated Vitamin E to be of no benefit.
It is time to stick with what works.
We need to rearrange our cardiovascular priorities and go with agents that have been shown to work. Reduce risk factors, such as excessive weight gain; reduce fat intake and lower cholesterol (with medications, if necessary!); perform moderate amounts of regular exercise; lower or control high blood pressure; precise control of diabetes and eliminate smoking.
We realize that people will continue to believe what they want to, regardless of legitimate, scientifically controlled, clinical studies. What are the most commonly heard stories? "They "(whoever "they" are) "say it's good for you". What about "it's natural, it can't hurt". All of this does not make it fact! On a recent trip to the store, I saw a famous brand name of vitamins with several claims on the label. On the bottom of the label, in very small print, was a disclaimer that read as follows: "This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness". Need I say more? Read all labels carefully.
All products (prescriptions medicines included) should meet
two criteria:
•Proof that it works!
•Proof that it does no harm!
