In long term care pharmacy, we see hundreds of patients taking vitamin supplements.  There is a common belief that taking vitamins maintains good health.  In reality, this is not the case. An article that appeared in the US News and World Report the last week of May discussed a study that appeared recently in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.  The findings were based on a study of trials conducted from January 2012 to October 2017 and found vitamin D, calcium and vitamin C did not help in preventing cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke or premature death. Although a 1993 study linked vitamin E to a lower risk of coronary heart disease, this study showed various other vitamins do not benefit patients but do no harm either, according to lead author Dr. David Jenkins.  He said it was surprising that vitamin D, in particular, does nothing for lengthening or shortening one’s lifespan, nor does vitamin C. The study looked at whether vitamins are good for cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality.  Of the vitamins analyzed were vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 (niacin), B6, B9 (folic acid), C, D and E, as well as beta carotene, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium and […] read more

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