Vitamins and Minerals Lower Risk of Mortality - Study Confirms

ORANGE, Calif., Oct. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In a recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine entitled "Dietary Supplements and Mortality Rate in Older Women," it was found that Vitamin B complex was associated with a 7 percent reduction in mortality, Vitamin C was associated with a 4 percent reduction in mortality, Vitamin D was associated with an 8 percent reduction in mortality, and Magnesium was associated with a 3 percent reduction in mortality, with a similar reduction rate associated with Selenium and Zinc.

According to Robert G. Smith, Research Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania, Department of Neuroscience, and member of the Institute for Neurological Sciences, "This study showed a benefit from taking B-complex, C, D, and E vitamins, and calcium and magnesium. Therefore, if those wanting better health would take appropriate doses of supplements regularly, they would likely continue to achieve better health and longer life."

Professor Smith adds that "iron and copper supplements, which are known to be potentially inflammatory and toxic when taken by older people, because they tend to accumulate in the body, should not be generalized to imply that all vitamin and nutrient supplements are harmful."

Noting that vitamins and minerals work with each other, Carolyn Dean, MD, ND, magnesium expert and medical director of the nonprofit Nutritional Magnesium Association, says, "Most people can benefit from magnesium supplementation because this vital mineral is sorely lacking in our standard American diet. Over 75 percent of Americans don't get their recommended daily allowance of this multi-tasking mineral. Additionally, many people may not be getting the full benefits from vitamin D without also supplementing their diets with magnesium, which is a vital nutrient that works synergistically with vitamin D.

"Adequate levels of magnesium in the body are essential for the absorption and metabolism of calcium as well," Dr. Dean states. "Magnesium converts vitamin D into its active form so that it can help calcium absorption. Magnesium stimulates a particular hormone, calcitonin, which helps to preserve bone structure and draws calcium out of the blood and soft tissues back into the bones, which can help prevent osteoporosis, some forms of arthritis and kidney stones."

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