Biology of Humans 6th Edition by Judith Goodenough,Betty McGuire

Exercise 11

Nutrients include substances in food, such as fats and carbohydrates, that provide us with energy; proteins that form structures or enzymes in our bodies; and vitamins, minerals, and water. Whereas vitamins are organic compounds needed for growth and overall health, minerals are inorganic substances, some of which become components of enzymes or nucleic acids, or contribute to properly functioning nerves and muscles. Minerals consist of one or more elements. Nutritional supplements, such as multivitamins, often contain the minerals calcium, iron, and zinc. Below is a portion of an article about the use of nutritional supplements. The entire article can be found at: www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/07/the-vitamin-mythwhy- we-think-we-need-supplements/277947/ From Paul Offit, Atlantic, July 19, 2013 The Vitamin Myth: Why We Think We Need Supplements Nutrition experts contend that all we need is what's typically found in a routine diet. Industry representatives, backed by a fascinating history, argue that foods don't contain enough, and we need supplements. Fortunately, many excellent studies have now resolved the issue. On October 10, 2011, researchers from the University of Minnesota found that women who took supplemental multivitamins died at rates higher than those who didn't. Two days later, researchers from the Cleveland Clinic found that men who took vitamin E had an increased risk of prostate cancer. "It's been a tough week for vitamins," said Carrie Gann of ABC News. These findings weren't new. Seven previous studies had already shown that vitamins increased the risk of cancer and heart disease and shortened lives. Still, in 2012, more than half of all Americans took some form of vitamin supplements.
Is the article balanced in its presentation of the advantages and disadvantages of taking nutritional supplements