"Insufficient vitamin intake is apparently a cause of chronic diseases. Recent evidence has shown that sub-optimal levels of vitamins(below standard), even well above those causing deficiency syndromes, are risk factors for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and osteoporosis. A Large portion of the general population is apparently at increased risk for this reason." -Dr. Robert Fletcher and Dr. Kathleen Fairfield.
In the study, the authors examine several nutrients, including vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D,E, K, folic acid and several of the carotenoids. Among their conclusions, they note:
-
folic acid, vitamin b6, and b12 are required for proper homocysteine metabolism, and low levels of the vitamins are associated with increased risk of heart disease;
-
inadequate folic acid status increases the risk of neural tube defects and some cancers
-
Vitamin E and lycopene appear to decrease the risk of prostate cancer
-
Vitamin D is associated with a decreased risk of osteoporosis and fracture, when taken with calcium
-
inadequate vitamin B12 is associated with anemia and neurological disorder
-
low levels of the arytenoids appear to increase the risk of breast, prostate and lung cancer
-
low vitamin A status is associated with vision disorders and impaired immune functions.
|
