It is not uncommon for those interested in better health to take vitamin supplements; but a study from Europe may cause us to rethink that practice. “Dr Goran Bjelakovic and his colleagues, working at the Copenhagen Trial Unit in Denmark, looked at the supplements beta-carotene, vitamins A, C and E and selenium as different combinations or separately.

They compared the rate of gastrointestinal cancers, such as stomach, liver or bowel cancer, among people taking the antioxidant supplements and people taking fake tablets with no active ingredient. Other than selenium, regular use of antioxidant supplements did not prevent gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. In half of the 14 trials reviewed, vitamin tablets appeared to shorten life expectancy.” (BBC News, Oct. 1, 2004) In fact a combination of beta-carotene, (a nutrient found in carrots, sweet potatoes, etc.) and Vitamins A and E revealed that life expectancy was shortened by 10-30%.

These were high doses and no study shows that a multiple vitamin and mineral tablet is harmful. But the take-home message is simple; get your nutrients from the food you eat and not from pills or supplements. Remember, God knows what is best, so let’s follow His plan given to His children at creation. “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.” Gen. 1:29)