Post by Admin on Feb 11, 2014 3:11:45 GMT
We are surprised by the comments by David Colquhoun a Professor of Pharmacology, who doesn’t seem to be aware of all of the research data that is available about vitamins and minerals, especially studies showing the benefits and safety of supplements.
There is clearly controversy in relation to the research data that is available. The studies Colquhoun is referring to where vitamins ‘do no good’, are likely to have used either synthetic forms of supplements or incorrect dosage. For example, studies on Vitamin E which used a synthetic Vitamin E that did not work, and also could do harm.
In contrast, a major study from the American Medical Association showed that multivitamins reduced the incidence in cancer in men by 8% and recurrence by 27% compared to those who weren’t taking multivitamins.
Universities and institutes have difficulty receiving funding to research health supplements that cannot be patented and do not offer the financial returns that frequently come from research on patented pharmaceuticals. Furthermore it is important that irrespective of the funding source, all research be independent, rigorous, objective and scientific.
With 60% of Australians are using supplements daily, we are looking forward to more funding for research in this area.
Professor Avni Sali
Director - National Institute of Integrative Medicine
President - International Council of Integrative Medicine
There is clearly controversy in relation to the research data that is available. The studies Colquhoun is referring to where vitamins ‘do no good’, are likely to have used either synthetic forms of supplements or incorrect dosage. For example, studies on Vitamin E which used a synthetic Vitamin E that did not work, and also could do harm.
In contrast, a major study from the American Medical Association showed that multivitamins reduced the incidence in cancer in men by 8% and recurrence by 27% compared to those who weren’t taking multivitamins.
Universities and institutes have difficulty receiving funding to research health supplements that cannot be patented and do not offer the financial returns that frequently come from research on patented pharmaceuticals. Furthermore it is important that irrespective of the funding source, all research be independent, rigorous, objective and scientific.
With 60% of Australians are using supplements daily, we are looking forward to more funding for research in this area.
Professor Avni Sali
Director - National Institute of Integrative Medicine
President - International Council of Integrative Medicine