Heart healthy E*!

In the News: Vitamin E and Shaklee’s response.

Vitamin E has been in the news recently as a result of a meta-analysis published in the Annals of Internal Medicine that alleged that high-dose Vitamin E may increase the risk for mortality. Media headlines are not always accurate, and we believe it is our responsibility to share with you some additional information on this study that is not being presented by the media. Below is information that comes directly from Shaklee’s Health Sciences Department.

The first thing that you need to know is that you do not need to change your vitamin regimen - just follow labeling directions. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Institute of Medicine, which sets recommended dietary guidelines, have stated that it is safe for adults to consume up to 1500 IU of natural Vitamin E per day.

Secondly, there are significant flaws and inaccuracies in the meta-analysis conducted by researchers from Johns Hopkins University. A meta-analysis is not a new study; rather, it is a compilation of previously run large-scale clinical studies. This meta-analysis took a narrow look at only 19 of the more than 2,170 published papers addressing the efficacy and safety of Vitamin E.

Jeffrey Blumberg, Chief of the Antioxidants Research Laboratory at Tufts University, member of Shaklee's Scientific Advisory Board and a widely recognized expert on Vitamin E, says, "These investigators selected 19 specific studies to analyze. In doing so, they also selected not to employ a vast number of studies that show no harm from Vitamin E and a great deal of benefit."

In addition, 18 of the 19 clinical studies showed no increase in the risk for health complications or fatalities with Vitamin E versus a control group. Only one study out of the 19 demonstrated a higher risk and that study was with patients who were using estrogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT) along with Vitamin E.

In fact, the researchers themselves concluded that Vitamin E supplementation did not affect mortality, and a number of the studies in the meta-analysis even showed positive results.

There are over a thousand studies that demonstrate the positive effects of Vitamin E. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and a powerful antioxidant that has been praised for its numerous health benefits, including the 2004 study by Johns Hopkins researchers published in the Archives of Neurology showing that 400 IU of Vitamin E, taken in concert with 500mg of Vitamin C, reduced the risk of Alzheimer’s by 60%.

Also, a study of approximately 90,000 nurses suggested that the incidence of heart disease was 30-40% lower among nurses with the highest intake of Vitamin E. Research found that the apparent benefit was mainly associated with intake of Vitamin E from dietary supplements.

Visit the Council for Responsible Nutrition's web site for a great presentation on the benefits of Vitamin E, confirmed by research conducted over 50 years.

The Bottom Line?

The conclusions of the meta-analysis study are sure to be discredited by statisticians and researchers alike; however, it’s unlikely that these refutations will have the same level of publicity.

So What Should You Do?

Continue taking your normal regimen of supplements. Headlines aside, the majority of scientific and clinical data shows well-established benefits of Vitamin E for otherwise healthy individuals. We’ll do our best to continue to provide the straight and honest story on health and wellness to help you enjoy a long and healthy life.

For more information on Shaklee’s Vitamin E or to order it online go to:
http://www.shaklee.net/pjstory/product/VitaE

Shaklee’s Vitamin-E is also a key component of Shaklee Basics – a daily vita strip that provides the clinically supported vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients to support long-term health. For more information on Shaklee Basics go to: http://www.shaklee.net/pjstory/product/ShakleeBasics

Who Will Benefit From Vitamin E Supplementation?

• Those suffering from chronic viral illness*
• Diabetics*
• Those who wish to decrease their risk of heart disease*
• Those who have elevated cholesterol levels*
• Those who wish to decrease their risk of stroke*
• Those who wish to decrease their risk of cancer*
• Those at risk for Parkinson's disease*
• Those who suffer from arthritis*

Natural vitamin E!

*

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.