Quote:
Originally Posted by Bonnevie
as a pharmacist I will only say I was always amazed at the patients who complained about the cost of prescription medications that have proven worth in treating life threatening diseases, but then show me a list of very expensive supplements they had no trouble buying....many times multiple herbals and supplements. and of course, any side effects they experienced was always due to the prescription medications.
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Also responding as a pharmacist (retired). It's possible to get all the vitamins you need from a balanced diet, but they can be helpful in filling in "gaps" in our nutrition. Some supplements have shown by studies to be useful. Calcium for bone health and along with it, Vit D to help the body absorb the calcium. Pregnant women need iron and women of child bearing age need folic acid. Fish oil has a bit more research behind it that supports its health benefits. Taking too much of fat soluble vitamins can cause problems because they are stored in the body. Taking too much of water soluble vitamins probably will only result in "expensive urine". Many people our age are on blood thinners, so they should avoid Vitamin K and Gingko Baloba. Earlier research suggested that men who took vitamin E supplements might have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. But a large NIH-funded clinical trial of more than 29,000 men found that taking supplements of vitamin E actually raised—not reduced—their risk of this disease. I think the jury is still out on that one. As always, you can always go to your pharmacy and ask the most trusted and most accessible of health professionals....your pharmacist!