Is Vitamin E Lethal?

Recently news carried story that a researcher had discovered that taking vitamin E at a level of 400IU or more increases risk of death. (Jan 2005, Annals of Internal Medicine) I was immediately suspicious because I have studied scientific literature on vitamin E for over two decades and have come to exact opposite conclusion. Hundreds of studies have shown beneficial effects of vitamin E on numerous modern diseases including cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, claudication, arthritis, fibrocystic breast disease, epilepsy, infertility, intelligence…you name it. This evidence comes from carefully controlled clinical trials and meta-nalyses and is published in peer-reviewed publications. So what gives with this new “scoop?” Why di it receive headlines while all other studies aren’t? Actually this new information is not new at all. The researcher merely investigated mortality statistics from existing studies and came to a conclusion that people should not take 400IUs of vitamin E (exactly what I have been taking for years and recommending to others) or they may die. In effect he wrote an editorial on other people’s work. That is not science. Although writer conceded his conclusions may only apply to those who are already seriously ill and not to healthy people, that is only balance given in article. He examined 19 different vitamin E studies performed by others including almost 140,000 people. Surely it would seem statistical meaning would emerge out of that. But as science (and life) always goes, truth is in details…details too often left out. For example in one of 19 studies, large doses of zinc were also given and this can create a copper deficiency which can lead to heart and other diseases. Although a copper supplement was given, it was in form of cupric oxide, which is poorly absorbed in gut. In another of studies group being given vitamin E were much sicker to begin with, including larger numbers of smokers and higher numbers of those with coronary artery disease and high blood pressure. Of course there will be greater mortality in such a group, but it would have nothing to do with vitamin E they were taking. Another study was skewed by fact that participants were also taking a synthetic form of beta-carotene, which has been linked to increased lung cancer and liver damage. You can’t give vitamin E and synthetic beta-carotene to a group and blame mortality on vitamin E! Finally, not one of studies used natural form of vitamin E. Vitamin E is a mixture of tocopherols: alpha, beta, gamma and delta. But only alpha- tocopheral was used. Not only that, but synthetic isomeric form, D, L-alpha tocopherol was used in many of studies. Natural vitamin E exists in only D isomeric form. The synthetic L form is not produced in nature and may even interfere with benefits of natural D form.

Celebrex Side Effects Lawsuit Lawyer

The Food and Drug administration urges people to stop taking Celebrex, but even so drug has remained on market. Recent studies have found that Celebrex causes heart attacks and strokes at higher doses. These same problems have lead rival pharmaceutical company Merck & Co to remove its painkiller Vioxx from market. However, Pfizer, maker of Celebrex, is leaving its dangerous drug on market.

Celebrex is an anti-inflammatory drug that does not contain steroids. This particular variety of anti-inflammatory is known as a COX-2 inhibitor and is used primarily to relieve painful symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It has sometimes been prescribed for other uses. Some patients on Celebrex have suffered severe stomach bleeding, especially those who consume alcohol while on medication. Other medication, including over-the-counter aspirins and ibuprofens, must be carefully monitored and cleared by a doctor if combined with Celebrex.

Celebrex should not be taken while a woman is nursing. Many people are vulnerable to violent allergic reactions to Celebrex, and these problems should be taken to a doctor immediately. The number of adverse reactions to Celebrex is growing every day as complications arise from this dangerous medication. If you or someone you love has been taking Celebrex unaware of these serious health risks, or if they have suffered serious complications resulting in injury or death, contact a lawyer about joining in lawsuit against Pfizer, reclaiming damages, and forcing this harmful drug off market. ga