In an 11 year study involving 14,641 physicians aged 50 and over, there was a significant 8 per cent reduction in cases of cancer when compared to those not taking such vitamins.
The study, led by Dr J. Michael Gaziano of the Division of Aging at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston, involved Centrum Silver which was provided by its manufacturer Pfizer but the company did not fund the study. A matched sample was used, with half taking a placebo. Neither the researchers nor the participants knew who was taking multivitamins. (Oct 17th JAMA)
Our study shows a modest but significant benefit in cancer prevention, said Dr Graziano. No harmful effects, or side-effects were noted during the 11 years of the study.