In a paper published in the journal Epidemiology, Dr. James E. Enstrom and colle

Question

In a paper published in the journal Epidemiology, Dr. James E. Enstrom and colleagues at UCLA recently reported on a study they conducted to assess the effects of taking multivitamin supplements containing vitamin C. In their study, the authors reviewed health data from a national sample of 11,348 people questioned in 1971-74 and followed up in 1984 to see if they were still alive. The study purported to show significantly lower death rates in men, and slightly lower death rates in women, among the group who took multi-vitamin pills containing vitamin C compared with those who didn’t.

a. Is it valid to conclude that taking vitamin C causes lower death rates? Why or why not?

b. What alternative explanation can you offer for the observed association between taking multi-vitamins with vitamin C and lower death rates?

Explanation / Answer

a) No, it is not valid to conclude that taking vitamin C causes lower death rates because there are many other factors which may have contributed to the results. ALso, the effect is different in men and women, so Vitamin C cannot be the only reason.

b) People who take vitamin C may be generally more concerned about their health, may exercise more etc. This may have led to lower death rates.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse I
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.