[rubicon]

Originally Posted by Villages PL

This is just an anecdote but it illustrates what you just said about putting stress on organs: I had a cousin who was a health nut and believed in taking mega doses of vitamins. Most of them were taken separately like C, E, and soforth. He had a whole cabinet full of various kinds. Then one day he started getting pains in his midsection. When he went to the doctor it was diagnosed as liver cancer and he only lived for about another 2 weeks.

Some may be quick to point out that I can't prove it. That's true, I can't. But I have read in various books that too many vitamin supplements can be toxic. I even read that too many antioxidant supplements can bring about an imbalance, backfire, and cause problems.

Some drug company is working on a pill for resveratrol and at first I thought it was a great idea. But if it gets sold over-the-counter like a supplement, I wonder how many people will overconsume it as if it's a miracle cure for some inflammatory condition? (I know it's already sold as a supplement but it's not formulated and tested by a drug company.)

Villages PL: I have some similar stories so know where you are coming from. I believe in a balanced diet, exercise and reducing stress. I won't take vitamins, won't take aspirn etc unless I an't stand it anymore, etc

[Villages PL]

The most recent Daily Sun article I could find was Nov. 2011 by Dr. David Lipschitz. The Heading: "Data looking ironclad that supplements harm"

I'll try to give some of the highlights:

Older people may get too much iron because 1) fortification of food and 2) nutritional supplements containing iron. (not to mention the iron that comes from eating red meat)

This may cause an increased risk of cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's. Because iron is an oxidant, it can lead to cell damage.

Study quoted: Iowa Women's Health Study

Question: How can vitamins shorten life expectancy?

Possible explanation: Vitamin supplements are too unlike vitamins and minerals found in food.

Conclusion: The best source for vitamins and minerals comes from eating food.

I found about 4 other articles warning about vitamins but I'm not sure I want to take the time to summarize all of them. It's very time consuming.

[Carmpat]

I am taking a vitamin supplement called Triple Action Omega-3 by Purity Products. I checked with my new FL doctor first and he said it was OK to take this as my NJ doctor said my triglycerides were quite high 170 something so she said to start taking an Omega-3 pill. I was taking a regular Omega-3 pill and it did not make a difference at all until I heard a radio commerical on this new supplement. I go on August 13 for new blood work to see if my triglycerides went down. I am hoping this supplement is doing the trick. Since taking this supplement I feel like I have more energy and it provides me with cardiovascular, brain, cholesterol and joint fuction support. After getting my results, I will post back if it did it's job. If not it only cost me $4.95 for S&H 30 day trail size. My doctor did say sometimes you do not get enough nutrients in your regular diet especially if you are not eating enough fruits and vegetables. So I will see.

[Villages PL]

Anyone who's interested can read the article by Yahoo!-searching the following headline:

Vitamin E pills raise prostate cancer risk, study suggests - USA Today

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Villages PL

The best source for vitamins and minerals comes from eating food.

Of course, it is preferred that vitamins and minerals come from eating food. Of course. We're talking here about people who don't feel they are getting enough vitamins, minerals and calcium from food sources. In that situation, do you think it is a good idea to take a supplement? I'm especially interested in your thoughts on calcium supplements.

[jimbo2012]

Sesame Seeds
Whole roasted sesame seeds contain 989 mg of calcium per 100 grams or 99% of the RDA.
Sesame seed butter or tahini contains 426mg per 100 grams or 43% of the RDA.

Almonds
Almonds contain 367 mg per cup or 37% of the RDA.

Collard Greens
Collard greens contain 266 mg per cup or 27% of the RDA.

Garlic
Garlic contains 246 mg per cup or 25% of the RDA.

Spinach
Spinach contains 254mg per cup or 24% oof the RDA.

Soybeans
Soybeans contain 175 mg per cup or 18% of the RDA.

Swiss chard
Swiss chard contains 101 mg per cup or 10% of the RDA.
Kale Kale contains 93 mg per cup or 9% of the RDA.

Raisins
Raisins contain 82.5 mg per cup or 8% of the RDA.

Oranges
Orange slices contain 72 mg per cup or 7% of the RDA.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

Almonds
Almonds contain 367 mg per cup or 37% of the RDA.

I must be missing something .....

50 almonds contain 300 calories and 15% of calcium needed.
To get 100% of RDA, you need to eat 7 times that amount.
7 times 50 almonds equals 2100 calories.

[uujudy]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

I must be missing something .....

50 almonds contain 300 calories and 15% of calcium needed.
To get 100% of RDA, you need to eat 7 times that amount.
7 times 50 almonds equals 2100 calories.

You'll need those sturdy bones to hold up your new big body! lol

[shcisamax]

That was a very astute observation.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by uujudy

You'll need those sturdy bones to hold up your new big body! lol

Now that is funny!

[justjim]

Originally Posted by rubicon

Discussing the issue of vitamins can get you into as much trouble as discussing politics and religion.

I have family members whom take mega doses of vitamins. I won't comment but from all my reading over the years mega doses stress the organs and what are not used pass through. My wife and I have always and continue to eat balanced meals each day. Obviously there are some special circumstances were vitmins are beneficial

Rubicon: Good post and I agree as my reading from various sources has me thinking twice about what supplements I have been taken. However, I don't put myself in the category of ever taking mega doses of vitamins.

The September 2012 issue of Consumer Reports has an interesting article worth reading entitled "10 Surprising Dangers of Vitamins & Supplements. In recent months I have to admit that I have been re-visiting the vitamins and supplements that I have been taking.

So many studies and so much to learn and I totally agree there are times when vitamins and supplements are beneficial.

[senior citizen]

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Please click on this hyperlink above and keep scrolling down to read in its entirety.....



Interesting re water soluble vitamins and fat soluble vitamins.

(This was updated on August 3, 2012.)



Too many vitamins and supplements can be too much of a good thing.

We do not take any at all, period.

[shcisamax]

Moderation. just sayin.

[uujudy]

Originally Posted by shcisamax

That was a very astute observation.

Originally Posted by Barefoot

Now that is funny!

And consider this: Another way to get 100% of recommended calcium is to eat 4 CUPS of garlic a day!
"Garlic contains 246 mg per cup or 25% of the RDA."

We'll be giant-sized or stinky, but we'll have good bones.

[lightworker888]

FYI re Calcium and bones, google Vivian Goldschmidt and her program "Save our Bones". Very interesting info. Be careful that your body can absorb any calcium that you take, as otherwise it will lodge in your joints etc and harden in places that won't serve you.

I have found that dietary sources of calcium work best for me, rather than through supplements, but I take at least 300-400 mg. magnesium and 2000 vit D in supplementation so that the calcium that I do get will have a chance to be absorbed. I also will use homeopathy-Mag Phos- if I feel the need for more magnesium.

I don't do dairy (except eggs daily and yogurt on occasion) so most of my calcium comes from veggies and nuts.

Old myths die hard and there are tons of them out there.

LW888