1961 AMA Publication Dismissed Vitamin-Cold Link as 'Pure Superstition,' Diverging from 1939 U.S. Nutrition Drive

A 1961 publication by the American Medical Association (AMA) reportedly dismissed any connection between vitamins and the common cold as "pure superstition," marking a significant shift from earlier U.S. government efforts to promote "vitaminized" cooking techniques. This historical divergence highlights changing scientific consensus and institutional attitudes towards nutrition and public health. The contrast emerges from a period where the U.S. government actively educated the public on nutrient preservation.In the late 1930s, particularly around 1939 and leading into World War II, the U.S. government emphasized the importance of nutrition and food preservation. Films and campaigns were produced to teach Americans about "nutrient-rich meals" and "vitaminized" cooking methods to combat malnutrition, which was a concern during the Great Depression. For instance, a Westinghouse Electric Company film from around 1936 discussed the importance of "vitamed cooking" to retain essential nutrients, aligning with the broader national health drive.However, by the 1960s, a different perspective began to dominate mainstream medical thought. The AMA, a powerful voice in American medicine, became increasingly critical of the burgeoning vitamin supplement industry. They often viewed claims of widespread vitamin benefits beyond treating specific deficiencies as "quackery," asserting that vitamins were primarily a concern for physicians in cases of diagnosed illness.This skepticism was part of a broader shift in nutritional orthodoxy, which saw the rise of the "fat hypothesis" championed by figures like Ancel Keys, while the role of sugar and other dietary components was downplayed. Researchers like John Yudkin, who proposed sugar as a primary health hazard, were marginalized by powerful personalities and institutions. The AMA's stance contributed to public and professional dismissal of vitamin efficacy for general health.Later analyses have suggested that influential scientific papers from the mid-1970s, particularly concerning vitamin C and the common cold, contained flaws but were widely cited to reinforce skepticism. These studies, despite their shortcomings, significantly contributed to the medical community's negative perception of vitamin supplementation. The historical context reveals a complex interplay of scientific debate, institutional influence, and public perception in shaping dietary advice over decades.