Cancers have become common in different parts of the world today. Most of the patients reporting such terminal conditions cannot explain their primary causes. The article “The Vitamin Myth: Why We Think We Need Supplements” offers a detailed analysis of this problem and provides additional suggestions that can guide more people to lead healthier and longer lives.
Summary of the Article
The author begins by referencing past studies to explain how vitamin supplements are associated with increased risk for various medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. Most of the consumers of such products lead shorter lives. The history and achievements of Pauling stand out since he managed to win two unshared Nobel Prizes and made significant contributions to the field of molecular biology and chemistry. His revolutionary works and findings were inspirational and capable of changing the world forever. However, Pauling eventually became the most infamous scholar because of vitamin C (Offit, 2013). This outcome was after he published the book Vitamin C and the Common Cold to encourage more people to be taking round 3,000 mg of vitamin C every single day (Offit, 2013). The Linus Pauling effect eventually became a reality since by 1975 over 50 million Americans were following his advice.
Despite the subsequent studies challenging Pauling’s views, he was always keen to oppose their findings. He went further to support the use of vitamin C as the best hope for cancer patients. However, researchers later realized that vitamin C was incapable of treating cancer. Subsequent investigations at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center revealed that several cancer patients subjected to vitamin A and betacarotene died prematurely at a rate of 17 and 28 percent respectively (Offit, 2013). Despite his views and belief that vitamins did not have side effects, Linus Pauling and his wife died of cancers even though they took vitamin supplements frequently.
Key Moments from the Article
The selected article provided outstanding passages, examples, and moments that stood out for me. First, I observed that Pauling was a dedicated scholar and researcher whose inventions and revolutionary ideas transformed the fields of biology and chemistry forever. Second, his demise due to cancer was a testimony that his prolonged overuse of vitamins was linked to the disease. This revelation was a clear indication that the intake of vitamins was dangerous and capable of triggering the occurrence of cancer (Offit, 2013). Third, the presented information reveals that many people today continue to rely on the use of vitamin supplements despite the glaring evidence. Individuals should consider these emerging issues if they are to make conclusive decisions regarding the use and place of vitamin supplements in the field of health.
Author’s Perspectives
Several perspectives and arguments in this article are significant and interesting to any reader. The first one is that Pauling’s achievements are quite outstanding and capable of encouraging more people to focus on their future goals. Professionals in the fields of medicine and science could emulate this kind of dedication if they are to achieve their maximum potential. The second interesting issue is the argument that vitamin supplements are dangerous and capable of triggering the development of cancer (Offit, 2013). This key moment is worth reading since the author has relied on past research findings to support the argument. The ideas are agreeable since the studies are authentic or from recognizable institutions in the fields of oncology, science, and biomedicine.
The third argument is that the global society remains deviant when it comes to the dangers associated with the overuse of vitamin supplements. Finally, the idea that most of the plant and animal sources of proteins and vitamins are adequate to support a healthy life appears plausible since it provides a solution to this debate. Consequently, Offit (2013) indicates that “nutrition experts contend that all we need is what’s typically found in a routine diet” (p. 1). Individuals who consider these issues will transform their experiences and eventually lead longer lives.
Personal Response
The presented insights in this article are worth reading and timely since they can guide me to become a competent provider of high-quality services to my patients. The current use of multivitamins qualifies as a major concern that different stakeholders should take into consideration. The findings outlined in the work expose some of the risks and dangers associated with such supplements. Experts in the field of medicine should, therefore, present evidence-based ways to guide and allow their patients to embrace the concept of a balanced diet (Offit, 2013). Such a practice will reduce chances of developing cancer, thereby setting the stage for a longer and healthier life.
Closing Comments
In conclusion, the arguments, ideas, and observations in the selected reading are inspirational and capable of influencing a paradigm shift regarding the marketing, prescription, and use of multivitamin supplements. The audience will appreciate the fact that such drugs are capable of increasing the risk for hypertension and cancer. Individuals should consider the need to explore and read widely if they are to acquire additional ideas regarding the benefits and dangers of vitamins in medical practice.
Reference
Offit, P. (2013). The vitamin myth: Why we think we need supplements. Health. Web.