Recommended dosages of vitamins and supplements
This Week in the HSI Forum
In a relatively new HSI Forum thread titled “Vitamins and Supplements,” a member named P.J. expresses a frustration that’s really quite common:
“I am thoroughly confused by all the different advice about recommended dosages of vitamins and supplements. Looks to me as everyone out there is pushing his own agenda (plus what sells)! So many experts, so many opinions! Where does one go to get really informed and impartial advice on diet, vitamins and supplements?”
P.J.’s question is articulately addressed by an HSI member named Lance who writes: “P.J., you don’t sound thoroughly confused to me. You recognize that ‘many’ do push their own product/agenda. That, in itself, is a good start. You asked: ‘Where does one go to get really informed and impartial advice on diet, vitamins and supplements?’ Once again, you are off to a good start! Many HSI forum members are impartial and well informed.
“Now, let me offer some advice/suggestions/recommendations:
- When you seek advice on vitamins, dosages (or, anything else), be as ‘specific’ as possible.
- If you ask a broad and general question, expect broad and general replies.
- Keep in mind that people are ‘unique.’ Each and every individual is different. What works for one, may not work for another. You must seek what ‘works for you.’
- Understand that supplements are not that much different than ‘prescription drugs.’ Some will have significant side effects, some can cause serious harm, some will help with one condition or body function, while harming another. I’m continually amazed by the number of people that think ‘natural’ and ‘harmless’ are synonymous. Many poisons are natural, as are many prescription medications.
- Another thing you should understand is that almost all supplements come in many different forms. When I see conflicting data on a vitamin, such as ‘E,’ I try to determine which specific form (of many) was used in the study. Was it natural or synthetic, was it mixed tocopherols, etc.”. Later in the same thread (after a number of interjections, opinions and further questions from LKB, Chris, Shirley and others), Lance gives an excellent rundown of the complexities of vitamin E.
Other topics on the HSI Forum this week include a discussion of the pros and cons of milk (mostly cons, I’m afraid), questions about the validity of a procedure called “gallbladder flush,” a lively debate about the government regulation of certain alternative medical techniques, an interesting look at the possibility that raw nuts may interfere with digestive enzymes in the stomach, and much more. Log on and join in with these and other conversations about healthcare at www.hsionline.com.
