Science is always better than propaganda!

Science is always better than propaganda!

The recent AIM study was widely reported on TV, the Internet, magazines and newspapers.  It is nearly impossible to get that extensive coverage without using a Public Relations firm to write press releases and send them out to hundreds of media outlets.  It is obvious to me from reading the various articles that a press release was used as the foundation for the text of the articles rather than a journalist actually reading the AIM study.  I’ll bet you can guess who would be willing to hire a public relations firm to attack the supplement industry.

In short, this AMI study is less than useless: it is dangerous, because it is being used by the media and the mainstream medical establishment to blacken the eye of nutritional supplements using poor data, bad analysis, and specious conclusions—otherwise known as junk science.

Careful scientific research published in peer reviewed professional journals demonstrates this compelling reason for drug companies to discourage the use of high quality nutritional supplementation.  Proper supplementation actually reduces the use of drugs.

Here is data from a peer reviewed landmark study done by University of Berkeley, first of its kind, published in a scientific journal, comparing people who had actually taken natural food supplements, chemical vitamins, or nothing at all for 20 years. See the abstract at: http://www.landmarkstudy.com/   

The average person over age 65 has taken 19.1 prescriptions.

The average person 50 to 65 has taken 7.6 prescriptions.

The Shaklee user for 20+ years has taken 0.6 prescriptions. (avg. age 62)

Also see: Big pharma profits down - time to attack vitamins!

AND: Here We Go Again! – The factual, scientific, and intellectual flaws in vitamin studies published by the media.

Below is a letter from a friend of ours who is a Board certified clinical nutritionist

Below her letter is a rebuttal against the AIM study by Shaklee Science.

Dear Shaklee Members,

Once again the popular press has chosen to review a clinical study and interpret it in a manner that is not consistent with the study’s findings.  This time the reports stated that elderly women were not advised to take supplements as they could lead to earlier death. We find this inaccurate and misleading.  In our Shaklee population who take quality nutritional supplements and choose a good diet while maintaining a moderate healthy lifestyle, we find that not only is life extended but quality of life is far superior to the general public. 

You have been faithful to supplementation in general and Shaklee in particular.  We are certain that you have noticed improved health.  We report this study to reassure you and any “doubting Thomas’s” in your circle of family and friends that you are making the right choice.  As for me, a board certified licensed nutritionist, I just wish the press would report the good news that hundreds of nutritional studies show every year.  In particular, the Shaklee Landmark study showed superior health benefits in those who took Shaklee vs. those who took Brand X supplements or no supplements.

Please take a look at the attachment for further explanation and do give me a call or send an email if you’d like to dialog a bit further.

Best wishes for a healthy future,

Nedra

Nedra Sahr, M.S., C.N.S.

Board certified clinical nutritionist

Call: (239) 591-4565           Live Longer, Feel Better:

Shaklee, Products in Harmony with Nature!

Please contact us for free nutritional counseling bunnysam@bestselfusa.com
and browse our Shaklee website at: http://bestself.myshaklee.com/us/en/welcome.html

And this from Shaklee Corporation:

Dear Shaklee Consumer:

You may have heard about a study, Dietary Supplements and Mortality Rate in Older Women, published in the October 10 issue of the journal, Archives of Internal Medicine.

We believe the study results and conclusions are presented in a biased and unduly negative manner, when in fact, the results are inconclusive at best. It’s also very clear that this study should not be used to draw conclusions regarding the effects of supplementation on human health.

Some possible limitations of the study include:

1. The study is an observational study that only describes associations and does not prove cause and effect. It should be considered with all the research on dietary supplementation, including the Shaklee Landmark Study which showed that long-term Shaklee supplement users had markedly better health than both single supplement users and nonusers.

2. The study results actually show that calcium supplementation reduces risk for total mortality, but this positive finding is buried among the negative headlines. This seems indicative of the bias present in reporting the study results.

3. In the original study analysis, users of B vitamins, vitamins C, D, E, and calcium had significantly lower risk of total mortality compared to nonusers. Only after adjustment of the data were some of these nutrients associated with a very slight increased risk for total mortality.

4. Supplemental iron is identified as increasing the risk of total mortality in this elderly female population. Shaklee recognizes that supplemental iron is not required by seniors without specific iron needs, and this is precisely the reason our Vitalizer Gold product for adults age 50+ has never contained iron.

5. Supplemental copper was linked to a slightly increased risk of total mortality. Shaklee recognizes that copper intakes are generally adequate and this is reflected in the reduced levels of copper found in our 4 new Vitalizer formulas.

6. The dietary supplement collection tools were not validated for this population and the investigators presented no data to support their conclusions regarding dosage levels. We find it difficult to make conclusions regarding the effects of supplementation when intake levels are not reported.

7. There are no explanations or reasons given for supplement usage, nor was there any screening for individuals at higher risk of disease. In many cases we see increasing use of supplements for therapeutic reasons, especially with increasing age.

In closing, we believe that this study needs to be considered with the totality of the evidence supporting supplementation. The overwhelming body of research on supplementation supports the prudent use of dietary supplements as a part of a healthy lifestyle, to fill nutritional gaps in the diet, to support a high quality of life, and to support a longer, healthier life. At Shaklee, we believe that a preventive approach to health begins much earlier in life than in the 60's and we commit to staying at the leading edge of science and health, and our products and health recommendations will always reflect these principles.

Shaklee Health Sciences

Call: (239) 591-4565           Live Longer, Feel Better:

Shaklee, Products in Harmony with Nature!

Please contact us for free nutritional counseling bunnysam@bestselfusa.com
and browse our Shaklee website at: http://bestself.myshaklee.com/us/en/welcome.html