Linus Pauling's Controversial Legacy: Examining Mega Doses of Vitamins

In summary, Linus Pauling was a well-known scientist who believed that high doses of vitamin C could prevent and treat cancer. However, his claims were not supported by scientific evidence and studies have shown that vitamin C may not have any significant impact on cancer prevention or treatment. In fact, the combination of vitamins, fiber, and other phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables may have a greater impact in preventing cancer. Despite this, many people still believe in the "amazing claims" made by Pauling and others, but it is important to consult with a doctor for accurate and evidence-based information. Additionally, medical students receive very little nutrition instruction in their training, highlighting the need for further education in this area.
  • #1
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I have never thought of Linus Pauling as a quack but this article seems to indicate otherwise. I find the last paragraph rather misleading.


In May 1980, during an interview at Oregon State University, Linus Pauling was asked, "Does vitamin C have any side effects on long-term use of, let's say, gram quantities?" Pauling's answer was quick and decisive. "No," he replied.

Seven months later, his wife was dead of stomach cancer. In 1994, Linus Pauling died of prostate cancer.

If fails to mention that he was 93yrs old.
 
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  • #2
Yes, it's sad that people that are great in some things become quacks in others. I had read studies many years ago showing that Pauling was wrong about vitamin C. There are many studies that have repeatedly shown him wrong.

Vitamin C is found in many vegetables and fruits, especially oranges, grapefruits, and peppers. Many studies have shown a link between eating foods rich in vitamin C, such as fruits and vegetables, and a reduced risk of cancer. On the other hand, the few studies in which vitamin C has been given as a supplement have not shown a reduced cancer risk.

This suggests that the activity of fruits and vegetables in preventing cancer is due to a combination of many things such as vitamins, fiber, and other phytochemicals and not to vitamin C alone (see Phytochemicals). Clinical trials of high doses vitamin C as a treatment for cancer have not shown any benefit. High doses of vitamin C can cause side effects in some people.

http://www.cancer.org/treatment/tre...vemedicine/herbsvitaminsandminerals/vitamin-c
 
  • #3
Evo said:
Yes, it's sad that people that are great in some things become quacks in others. I had read studies many years ago showing that Pauling was wrong about vitamin C. There are many studies that have repeatedly shown him wrong.
http://www.cancer.org/treatment/tre...vemedicine/herbsvitaminsandminerals/vitamin-c

Lots of "great" people (in one field) believe lots of crazy things in other areas. For example, William Shockley's (and to a lesser extent, James Watson's) "scientific racism", Kary Mullis' cranky HIV-denial, Josephson's beliefs about telepathy, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's (who wasn't a Nobel winner like the preceding lot, but was a physician and an eminent writer) belief in fairies and the occult. The list is endless. Even highly intelligent, high-achieving individuals are capable of delusional thought. The danger is that these thoughts get a much wider and more serious airing because of their prominence. The moral is that argument from authority is almost always flawed.
 
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  • #4
IMO, that's why the peer review process is so important.
 
  • #5
The problem with these 'amazing claims' is they are killing people. Talk to your doctor. That is the only expert you should trust.
 
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  • #6
Chronos said:
The problem with these 'amazing claims' is they are killing people. Talk to your doctor. That is the only expert you should trust.

I would hope that a reasonably intelligent person would be able to see through the "amazing claims."

Doctors have very little training in nutrition. I see a nurse practitioner who has taken may more hours of nutritional training and study than the MD she works under.

As she puts it: "Few people eat that well balanced diet we are always talking about."

On average, students received 23.9 contact hours of nutrition instruction during medical school (range: 2–70 h). Only 40 schools required the minimum 25 h recommended by the National Academy of Sciences. Most instructors (88%) expressed the need for additional nutrition instruction at their institutions.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2430660/

BTW the new buzz word is, antioxidants, and this isn't referring to vitamins.
 

1. What are mega doses of vitamins?

Mega doses of vitamins refer to taking extremely high doses of vitamins, often well above the recommended daily allowance (RDA). These doses can be 10, 20, or even 100 times higher than the RDA.

2. Are mega doses of vitamins safe?

The safety of mega doses of vitamins is still debated among scientists and healthcare professionals. While some studies have shown potential benefits, others have linked mega doses of certain vitamins to negative side effects and potential health risks.

3. Can mega doses of vitamins cure illnesses?

There is no evidence to suggest that mega doses of vitamins can cure illnesses. While vitamins are essential for overall health and can support the immune system, relying on mega doses to cure illnesses may have negative consequences.

4. What are the potential risks of taking mega doses of vitamins?

Taking mega doses of vitamins can lead to adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and even organ damage in extreme cases. It can also interfere with the absorption of other nutrients and interact with certain medications.

5. Who should consider taking mega doses of vitamins?

Mega doses of vitamins should only be considered under the guidance of a healthcare professional for individuals with specific nutrient deficiencies or medical conditions that may require higher doses. In general, it is best to stick to the recommended daily allowances for vitamins to maintain overall health.

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