We interviewed Hilary Butler one afternoon during the school holidays, and she generously shared her time (three hours!) and knowledge, along with her husband, Peter.
We came across her work on Vitamin C while reading her books from the library, and then read more on her "Beyond Conformity" blog. We contacted Hilary by email, and she offered her assistance on this topic.
 |
| Mechanical Outcasts team with Hilary Butler |
One of the most important things we learned was that there had been many published clinical trials on the use of high-dose Vitamin C, and so yet another trial would not produce any extra evidence.
Hilary offered us information on how to search for medical trials, using the Pubmed website, and search facility.
She showed us many volumes of books specifically referring to the positive effects of high-dose Vitamin C. from which we compiled the recommended reading list on our research page.
She also showed us a three-volume set of textbooks specifically written about Vitamin C by Prof. B Clemetson, which cost her $1,200 to obtain. This set is no longer in print. When she investigated, she could find no copies of these texts in any of New Zealand's medical libraries or universities. She corresponded with the author until his death, and has to hand digital copies of his work.
She agreed that an informative discussion between medical personnel and herself on the use of Vitamin C might provide clarity for those who are wondering what it is all about.
Hilary became interested in medical and nutritional research from personal experience. She developed rheumatoid arthritis during her late teens. Medical practitioners said that it was due to her competitive gymnastic training at such a young age. She noticed when she was pregnant, those symptoms disappeared. During a conference, she sat next to a doctor and while talking, described her symptoms. He told her that is was likely due to a Rubella vaccination she had received in her early teens, and that she was lacking certain nutrients - and that she could eliminate those symptoms by addressing those deficiencies.
To address this, along with other supplements, she took 60mg Vitamin C each day for 6 months, until the symptoms abated. She monitors her intake now, but still takes about 25mg/day. Her arthritis in no longer a restriction on her life.
She is the founder of the Immunisation Awareness Society, and has published two books: Just a Little Prick, Another Little Prick which she was kind enough to give us copies of.
She showed us her study, which has many research files, and is very well organised.
She has also advised us that because of her view on vaccinations, it might be prudent to not reference her in our research.
Our team unanimously decided that the level and quality of help she provided needed to be recognised. She also gave us the tools to conduct our own research and come to our own conclusions.
Dictated by Noah & Meg: Typed in by Coach
