Another Day, Another Vitamin Trashed

Today, it is Vitamin B. The New York Times has an advance summary about research to be published in the Journal of the AMA concluding that vitamins B6 and B12 don't prevent heart attacks in individuals with serious heart disease. The doctors quoted in the study are divided about whether the B vitamins might help individuals without heart disease prevent its onset.

Once again, I can't help but feel uncomfortable about such a study, this time on three counts. First, the Times seems to be strongly implying that the B vitamins are useless. Second, and related, the study has nothing to do with other areas where vitamin B is supposed to be quite important, such as in helping the nervous system, brain function, and cellular function. Finally, there is no consideration given to how vitamin B might work together with other vitamins.

I know it's impossible to test all aspects of a supplement's potential benefits in a single study. It just seems a disservice to imply that because a vitamin failed to help seriously ill patients in one specific area that it is without benefits.