Written by Dr Marilyn Glenville PhD

Volume 2 - Issue 6: June 2008

by Dr Marilyn Glenville PhD

About This Issue

You probably read the headlines the other month to the effect that ‘supplements may do you harm’.  It is very difficult when we get so many conflicting stories in the press and then it makes it hard to know what to believe.

The study that was quoted was actually a meta-analysis which is a combination of the results of a number of studies. For a meta-analysis, the researchers can decide which studies to include and what not to include depending on what criteria they choose.  The researchers identified 748 studies that could be included in this meta-analysis and then decided that there were only 409 eligible trials which were randomised controlled trials.  But then they decided to look at only 67 of those.  They excluded 405 trials where no deaths were reported. 

It is difficult to see how 405 trials which reported no deaths were excluded from an analysis which was supposed to look at the effects of vitamins on mortality.  The other big problem with this meta-analysis is that they assessed all-cause mortality, which means death due to anything.  So people whose deaths may have been caused by road accidents, murder or suicide would be included and of course would have no connection with taking vitamins. 

So do take these results with a large pinch of salt (well maybe not so large because of the link with high blood pressure!) but it is easy to see how statistics can be manipulated and that people will only end up seeing the doom and gloom headline.  My recommendation is to take good levels of vitamins and minerals along with a healthy diet to give yourself the best chance of good health.

Kind regards

Dr Marilyn Glenville PhD

Table of Contents

Regular features

4 Letter from Marilyn
5 In the news:
Recent progress in the world of health

  • Food additives do harm children
  • Hot flushes vanish with flaxseeds
  • Drop the feast and famine diet
  • One sausage a day raises cancer risk
  • Regular exercise can help stop the biological clock
  • Cake eating mums can make their babies fat

25 Case Study:
Early menopause – ‘Stephanie’ came to the Clinic because of an early menopause

41 Ask Marilyn:
Your questions answered

  • I’m 52 and menopause is around the corner. I’ve noticed a dip in my libido. Is it true that certain foods can boost libido?
  • What is the baby food diet? I’ve heard it’s nutritious and additive free. So would you recommend it?

45 Ingredient spotlight:

  • Carrots – the health benefits

46 Monthly meal idea:

  • Carrot and raisin loaf

47 Resources

  • Where to find books, supplements, tests and consultations

48 Coming next month


Special Articles

9 Menopause

  • Eating for a change: Five dietary changes that are essential during the menopause

15 Ease bloating

  • How to ease PMS-related bloating

18 Vaginal infections

  • The best way to protect your bone health

18 Hay fever/Allergies

  • Natural ways to treat vaginal infections

22 Weight loss

  • The weight-loss benefits of mindful eating

31 Osteoporosis

  • Osteoporosis: Why good digestion matters

35 Infertility

  • Homeopathy for infertility

37 Discovering herbs

  • Motherwort; The benefits

Top Tips

21 Help save the rainforest

  • Brazil nuts: Good for you and keeping the Amazon rainforest alive

34 Housework

  • Cleaning your house could give you asthma