5 seconds a day to a lower cancer risk

A lot of people take multivitamins for granted. It’s true they’re not the “newest breakthrough” out there. But they’re integral to good health.

I’ve written before about how a simple multivitamin can help with a range of conditions. From improving your mood  to reducing your risk of cataracts to boosting your brain function

And a new research review published in the journal Postgraduate Medicine is just the latest proof of how life saving multivitamins really are.

Researchers examined findings from large clinical trials to determine multivitamin and mineral formulas’ influence on cancer risk.

They found that men who reported taking a daily multivitamin had 8 percent lower risk of developing cancer over a decade.

The researchers concluded: “The results…suggest a favorable benefit/risk ratio of multivitamin/mineral supplements containing RDA doses of vitamins and minerals with regard to both primary and secondary cancer prevention in men ≥ 50 years.”

But perhaps the bigger news here is the second part of their conclusion. The researchers went on to say, “Based on these results, multivitamin/mineral supplements may play a role in long-term health maintenance, even in a generally healthy, well-nourished population, such as the current majority of multivitamin/mineral consumers.”

This is huge. Normally, the mainstream mantra is that healthy people don’t need supplements. Of course, you and I both know that’s not true. But to hear the mainstream admit it? I wasn’t sure I’d live to see the day.

Although there is one point these authors made that could stand some clarification.

Those “RDA” doses of vitamins and minerals they mention? They’re woefully inadequate in nearly every instance.

Take vitamin D. The government’s RDA is 600 IU per day. But research clearly shows you need much, much more of this essential nutrient to reach optimal levels. (Which is why I recommend at least 5,000 IU per day.)

Just imagine how much better the results may have been if folks were taking more than a puny multi that only meets RDA amounts of the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

Your action plan: Skip those drugstore one-a-day multis (you know, the ones with the food coloring to make them look pretty). They generally contain nothing but the RDAs (if that).

Instead, choose a quality, comprehensive multi instead. In fact, you’re much better off looking for a liquid or powdered drink mix multivitamin formula. These forms can pack in far more nutrients—in far more optimal doses—than a pill. It may be more expensive than the store brand multis. But chances are, it will help you save thousands in doctor bills down the line.

Source:

“Multivitamin/multimineral supplements for cancer prevention: implications for primary care practice.” Postgraduate Medicine 2015; 127(1):107-16


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