Popular Dietary Supplements to be Studied Further

Millions of people take dietary supplements containing vitamin D and fish oil, two components which will be the focus of a new government-funded study designed to determine whether they also reduce the risks of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

The $20 million study will be paid for by the U.S. government and led by researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. It will be the first such study to examine a specific racial group – African Americans – who, because of their darker skin, may be unable to produce much vitamin D from sunlight, possibly resulting in higher rates of cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

Other, earlier studies have examined the benefits of the same vitamins and reached mixed results.

Research had shown that taking vitamins C, E, folic acid, selenium, carotene, and other supplements appeared to reduce the risks of heart disease and cancer. However, those findings were tested in larger studies and found to carry serious risks.

Just last year, a study of vitamin E and selenium pills for the prevention of prostate cancer was halted after it found few benefits but some indications of serious side effects.

Also, recent recalls of some dietary supplements indicate caution should be used in deciding how and when to take the pills to lose weight, increase energy, or other benefits.

Vitamin D Benefits?

Vitamin D is also called the “sunshine vitamin” because it may be produced by the body when exposed to sunlight. Studies have shown that people with lower levels of the vitamin are at increased risk of cancer and that cancer rates are higher in northern regions where sunlight is not as plentiful in the winter months.

Fish oil, also called omega-3 fatty acid, is usually on the list of heart-friendly diets, but most studies of the compound have not realized the true benefits and risks of taking it as a supplement, the research team said.

Both vitamin D and fish oil may help reduce many diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular risks, researchers said.

New Study to Begin

The new study will include 20,000 women over the age of 65 who have no histories of stroke, cancer, or heart attacks. It is set to begin later this year.

The study participants will be randomly given either fish oil, vitamin D, a cocktail of both supplements, or inactive placebo pills for five years. The health of patients in the study will then be monitored.

In addition to assessing the benefits in reducing heart disease and cancer, researchers said they also plan to screen study patients for clues of whether the treatments help prevent depression, diabetes, memory loss, osteoporosis, and other problems.

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