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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on August 23, 2012, at 20:30:19
Is there anyone here who doesnt atleast take a generic daily multivittamin?
Given that zinc, iron, folate, selenium, iodine etc are marginal in many western diets, and that you can get a good generic multi for 5 cents a day, I cant think of any reason NOT to take one.
Posted by linkadge on August 23, 2012, at 21:12:43
In reply to Vitamins, posted by jono_in_adelaide on August 23, 2012, at 20:30:19
Many vitamins take on drug like effects when they are accumulated in the system.
For instance, a recent study suggested that elevated folic acid intake from supplementation increased the risk for certain forms of cancer. In test tube, folic acid can promote the growth of certain tumors when present at non physiological levels.
Other vitamins can take on negative effects if / when they accumulate in the system. Zinc, for intance can induce neuronal cell death, and niacin can damage the liver, if taken for extended periods of time, should they accumulate in the system.
The problem is compounded by the fact that many foods are fortified by vitamins and minerals.
I eat a normal diet of healty food and have calculated that I exceed the needed intake of all vitamins. Mineral content is a little more difficult to assess.
I avoid supplementation on the basis that with minimal effort, you can meet all your nutritional requirements with food (even with the so called leaching of vitamins and minerals). For instance, one can of Eden Organic black beans contains 75% of magnesium. These are recent assessments done by 3rd party on this product. Add on two Shreaded Wheat Biscuts and Magnesium is covered.
Focusing on a healthy diet also forces one to consider foods that are probably healthy for far more reasons than simply vitamin / mineral content. For instance, certain polyphenols protect the heart, brain and vascular system. Others have been shown to actually conserve and promote the body's utilization of vitamins. The modern idea of Kraft Dinner + a vitamin pill is tragically flawed.
Avoiding supplementation, also reduces the chances of one actually harming oneself by oversupplemenation.
Finally, multivitamins just make me feel wired.
So, in closing, there are reasons not to supplement.
Linkadge
Posted by Phillipa on August 23, 2012, at 23:48:40
In reply to Re: Vitamins, posted by linkadge on August 23, 2012, at 21:12:43
I always have. Yes an MVI, and water soluable C time release, Magnesium, Calcium/Magnesium, B6. Fish oil causes anxiety although I know I should use it. I do know flax seed oil can eliminate dry eyes as an opthamologist had me take it and because of this the Sherman's test went from dry to normal allowing lasix surgery for distance 9 years ago. Phillipa
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on August 23, 2012, at 23:54:30
In reply to Re: Vitamins, posted by Phillipa on August 23, 2012, at 23:48:40
Link - the effects you describe are from mega doses, not from an RDI supplement lime Centrum
I get your point about a healthy whole foods diet supplying everything, but the fact is, most people arnt doing it. Intakes of iron (in women), zinc, vitamin d, selenium, iodine, calcium, magnesium and several others are all marginal in populations such as Australia, Canada and the US
For 5 centsd a day, I'm happy to supplement
Posted by gadchik on August 24, 2012, at 6:50:40
In reply to Re: Vitamins, posted by linkadge on August 23, 2012, at 21:12:43
I dont take vitamins. I have taken fish oil,need to buy some. I do add flax seed powder to breakfast.I did take a few vitamins when I came out of my last depression,as I had lost 30 lbs.and had stopped eating. Linkage,I love Edenfoods.I buy that brand where ever I can find it,and have ordered from them online. Its a superb company.
This is the end of the thread.
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