A chara, - Prof William Reville's sweeping admonition to his readers that taking vitamin supplements is not only unnecessary but potentially damaging to their health is not only factually incorrect but professionally irresponsible (Science Today, March 15th).
Leaving aside his argument's wishful assumption that most people eat a healthy, balanced diet, there are many studies which assert that with ever-increasing environmental pollution, not only have our daily requirements of vitamins now exceeded that which a balanced diet can provide, but that the amounts contained in our food are decreasing at the same time for similar reasons.
As a pharmacist, I might well be expected not to agree with him, but surely Prof Reville is aware that many doctors actually prescribe vitamin B6 for pre-menstrual syndrome and vitamin B12 for increasing appetite, not to mention its use to treat megaloblastic and pernicious anaemia? Iron frequently has to be taken during pregnancy while calcium and vitamin D supplements are essential parts of the treatment of osteopenia and osteoporosis.
Aside from supplements that are prescribed, any experienced pharmacist can cite plenty of evidence for the use of vitamin C and zinc not only to boost the immune system in winter to help prevent colds, but also to help reduce the frequency of cold-sore outbreaks in those people who used to regularly suffer from them.
Lysine too is of great benefit in the latter, while in Germany, for example, echinacea - not antibiotics - is the first-line treatment for colds. Vitamins B1 and B2 are essential for maintaining the integrity of the mucous layer lining the mouth and mouth ulcers can often be easily cleared after just a few days' treatment with high-dose B complex - which, as many people recovering from an illness will testify, is great for giving an instant energy boost.
Healthcare professionals - be they doctors or pharmacists - are all scientists and none of us should suggest that cancer can be cured or heart disease prevented by popping a couple of vitamin pills; but there is a vast body of evidence supporting the use of many supplements to treat particular conditions effectively, safely, and certainly with fewer side-effects than most prescription medicines.
To suggest otherwise is misleading and does "public awareness of science" no service at all. - Is mise,
DAVID CARROLL, Castle Gate, Dublin 2.