VITAMINS: Increased risk of death in elderly women

These researchers at the University of Finland and the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis) found at the end of the study of nearly 40,000 older women that taking vitamin and mineral supplements may increase the risk of death from 3 to 18%. Results published in the October 18 edition of Archives of Internal Medicine, which remind us that nothing is worth, if possible, a balanced nutrition.

Professor Jaakko Mursu and colleagues evaluated the use of vitamin and mineral supplements in relation to the mortality of 38,772 older women participating in a study on women's health in Iowa. The average age of participants was 61.6 years at the start of the study in 1986. Supplementation was self-reported in 1986, 1997 and 2004. In December 2008, 15,594 deaths (40.2%) were identified.

The authors find that,

· The multivitamin (HR: 1.06, CI 95% 1.02 to 1.10) increases the risk of death 2.4%, taking vitamin B6 (HR: 1.10 CI: 95 % from 1.01 to 1.21) increases the risk of death by 4.1%

· The taking folic'acide (HR: 1.15 CI 95% 1.00 to 1.32) increases the risk of death by 5.9%

· The iron (HR: 1.10 CI 95% 1.03 to 01.17) increases the risk of death by 3.9%

· The magnesium (HR: 1.08 CI 95% 1.01 to 01.15) increased risk of death 3.6%, taking zinc (HR: 1.08 CI: 95% 01, 01 to 01.15) increases the risk of death 3.0%,

· The copper (HR: 1.45 CI 95% 1.20 to 1.75) increases the risk of death of 18.0%.

All these supplements are taken associated with an increased risk of death ranging from 3 to 18%, compared to non-use of these supplements.

Only calcium intake is beneficial to the risk of death (HR: 0.91 CI 95% 0.88 to 0.94) or a reduced risk of 3.8%.

The authors conclude, therefore, among older women, many vitamins and minerals commonly used are associated with an increased risk of mortality. Especially with iron.

However, the use of dietary supplements has increased substantially among women, especially after menopause. About 85% of women in the U.S. state and have had at least one of these products during the year. Among women aged 55 to 66 years, 27% reported in a recent survey, they used four or more of these supplements.

Source: Archives of Internal Medicine 2011, 171 (18) :1625-1633.
"Dietary Supplements and Mortality Rate in Older Women" (Visual © Unclesam - Fotolia.com)

Posted in: Women health