The established medical and scientific community accepts new theories only after
vigorous screening and scrutiny, a process that can take years or even decades.
The free radical theory of cellular damage and the recommendation for antioxidants
as a way to overcome it was proposed over 40 years ago. Until the last decade,
it has been tolerated largely as an unsubstantiated theory at best. Medical
schools are so preoccupied with teaching students how to cure disease they do
not spend enough time on disease prevention or alternate forms of treatment.
In essence, we have a whole generation of physicians who are not well versed
on what nutritional supplements can or cannot do. Those who do know and are
well versed in it, practice supplementation. Doctors who have been prescribing nutritional supplement to patients have been
ridiculed for years. Now they are hailed as pioneers.
How Much Is Too Much? Many in the forefront of ant-aging research have known for decades that
the RDAs established
since 1941 are outdated, needing revision upwards. The National Academy
of Science's progressive upward
revision of the RDAs in view of mounting evidence in support of antioxidant's
beneficial effect on the body, reflects an admission from main stream research
and medicine that the benefits of nutritional supplementation is real and
not a hoax. The fact that an Upper Level has been established for the first
time as a safe level of daily intake shows that the educated public is demanding
that the scientific community catch up with its own research, as ironic as
that may sound.
There is always a constant battle between the production of free radicals
and the body's attempt to remove these radicals. Data and research continues
to show a role for antioxidants from food as well as dietary supplementation
in disease treatment and prevention. Although optimal
intakes of antioxidants have yet to be determined, and may not be determined
for years to come, science continues to learn more about this fascinating
area each day. With the establishment of upper limits for common antioxidants
like Vitamin C (2,000 mg a day) and Vitamin E (1,500 IU a day), it now is
apparent that the public can safely know that supplementation within these
limits is widely accepted.
Attention
Because of tremendous individual variation,
the use of nutritionals should therefore be personalized for your
body. One person’s nutrient can be another person’s toxin. If you
have a specific health concern and wish my personalized nutritional
recommendation, write to me by clicking
here.
Data shows that it takes time for the benefits of the antioxidant effects
by supplementation with Vitamin E to become visible. Supplementation is not
an overnight process as our bodies have been traumatized by free radicals
for many years. Research has repeatedly
demonstrated that it takes at least one to two years of continuous Vitamin
E intake, for example, to have demonstrable and statistically significant
cardiovascular and cancer benefits.
Considering the limited side
effects, the risk of not taking natural
supplements far outweighs the risk of any potential side effect.
To put it another way, the risk benefit ratio favors those who take action
now to supplement their diet with nutrients beyond that which can be obtained
from diet alone. This is especially critical for those 50 years of age and
older, as the accumulated years of damage is greater, and their time is running
out.
Research
will never completely satisfy the skeptical mind. Those who take
the time to study the scientific literature that is readily available will
be amazed at the preponderance of data supporting nutritional supplementation
as one of the foundation pillars for optimum
anti-aging health. It is estimated that
over 50% of Americans are taking supplements in one form or another.
Unfortunately, the nutritional supplement industry is laced with unscrupulous
companies pushing products that are unproven or with insufficient research.
The informed mind is the best mind. Do your homework and make an informed
decision before embarking on any nutritional supplementation program of dubious
nature. Focus on supplements that have
an extensive history of research and be careful of products that are supported
by nothing more than testimonials and wild unsubstantiated claims.
Message from
Dr. Lam
I hope you have enjoyed reading this
article. If you have areas you don’t understand, comments (good or
bad), or if you have a specific health concern, feel free to write
to me by clicking here.
About The Author
Michael Lam, M.D., M.P.H., A.B.A.A.M. is a specialist in Preventive and Anti-Aging Medicine. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California. He also holds a Masters of Public Health degree and is Board Certification in Anti-aging Medicine by the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. He has authored numerous articles and the following books: The Five Proven Secrets to Longevity, How to Stay Young and Live Longer, Estrogen Dominance - Hormonal Imbalance of the 21st Century, and Beating Cancer with Natural Medicine.
For More Information
For the latest anti-aging related health issues, visit Dr. Lam
at www.DrLam.com. Feel free to email
Dr. Lam by clicking here if you have any questions.
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The contents of this website are primarily based upon the opinions of Dr. Lam, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your visit or participation in our website. No claim or opinion on these pages is intended to be, nor should be construed to be, medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional before starting any health program, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition. Statements in this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any products mentioned is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Research
will never completely satisfy the skeptical mind. Those who take
the time to study the scientific literature that is readily available will
be amazed at the preponderance of data supporting nutritional supplementation
as one of the foundation pillars for 
