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Health News Archive 252 - Expecting A Miracle
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B Vitamins May Prevent Disease, But They Don't Cure It

Recent studies conducted in diseased populations cannot be applied to the general population or the preventative benefits of B vitamins, according to the Council for Responsible Nutrition.

Findings from the HOPE-2 and NORVIT studies on vitamins B-6, B-12 and folate supported the conclusions of a vast body of scientific research which shows that these vitamins help lower homocysteine levels, stated CRN. However, they failed to support the hypothesis that lowering homocysteine levels in persons who already have cardiovascular disease will provide protection against a future cardiovascular event.

"While these studies contribute importantly to the research base, they have limited application for the general population,” said Dr. Annette Dickinson, a consultant and past president of CRN. “These studies did not test whether B vitamins used by healthy people can help keep them healthy. Instead, they looked at whether B vitamins can treat or reverse heart disease in people who already have it. Vitamins should not be expected to perform like drugs—their greatest promise is in prevention."

At least 10 clinical trials are now ongoing or have been recently completed looking at whether B vitamins can reduce the risk of CVD, CRN said. These trials look at populations that either already have CVD or are at very high risk. CRN emphasized that every new study needs to be viewed in context and cautioned against the tendency to look at every trial as conclusive advice for the entire population.