[Golfingnut]

I have always thought this to be true. A doctor I trusted once told me "don't waste your money"

Study Says Vitamin Supplements May Not Be A Good Idea « CBS New York

[2BNTV]

Vitamin consumption depends on who you ask and if it benefits them. I only take two supplements.
1. One A Day multivamin.
2. Prostate 2.4 for a healthy prostate.

Both are doctor recommended. The prostate 2.4 given to me by my urologists says, "some people swear by them and some people say they don't feel any different".

I don't put too much faith in these studies, as sometimes I have found their study to be skewered in their results, or the change their talking about, is minuscule.

[Golfingnut]

Originally Posted by 2BNTV

Vitamin consumption depends on who you ask and if it benefits them. I only take two supplements.
1. One A Day multivamin.
2. Prostate 2.4 for a healthy prostate.

Both are doctor recommended. The prostate 2.4 given to me by my urologists says, "some people swear by them and some people say they don't feel any different".

I don't put too much faith in these studies, as sometimes I have found their study to be skewered in their results, or the change their talking about, is minuscule.

My thought would be that any supplement specifically meant to target a specific deficiency would be of great benefit. I told the doctor about a friend that took large doses of about 20 vitamins and supplemental pills.

[buggyone]

If a person believes that a multivitamin everyday helps them - and does not interfere with any other med they take, no problem.

Naturally, let your doc know exactly what supplements you take.

[Golfingnut]

Originally Posted by buggyone

If a person believes that a multivitamin everyday helps them - and does not interfere with any other med they take, no problem.

Naturally, let your doc know exactly what supplements you take.

Good point. Interaction between supplements and prescription can be very serious.

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by Golfingnut

My thought would be that any supplement specifically meant to target a specific deficiency would be of great benefit. I told the doctor about a friend that took large doses of about 20 vitamins and supplemental pills.

Exactly my point!!! I take only what my body needs, as most excess vitamins are expelled from one's system. Only doctor recommended for me.

Unless one is somewhat of an expert on vitamins, I believe the body should receive what it needs from food. Some people are really good at knowing what they need, and some people will take a lot of vitamins that are suppose to be good for you, as they don't eat properly.

When taking vitamins to an excessive degree, there's something wrong with that picture. IMHO

[2newyorkers]

I also use to be very skeptical about the benefits of vitamins. Thru the years I have found 2 that benefit me. Vitamin E keeps my hair shiny and less dry. Since I started taking Vitamin C I have very few colds.

[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.

[Villages PL]

I have never taken a multivitamin because I think it's no substitute for a healthy diet. I believe we should only take what we need to satisfy any deficiency that we might have. I was tested and found deficient in vitamin D3. So I take just what I need based on my age. No massive doses. Also, because I'm a vegan/vegitarian, depending on what day it is, I take B12.

With B12, large doses can put other B vitamins out of balance. So it's important to satisfy your need with the smallest dose possible.

Vitamins have to be processed by your liver and I often think that it's not a very natural thing for your liver to be doing. Someone formulates a multivitamin not knowing what your exact needs are and your liver has to sort it all out. "Oh, here's some vitamin C but where are the other nutrients commonly found in citrus," says your liver. "Oh, never mind, you don't need that other stuff," says the vitamin company.

[Shimpy]

Both my cardiologist and especially optomologist recommend fish oil.

[KayakerNC]

I wonder if Big Pharma had a hand in this "study".

[JP]

Originally Posted by KayakerNC

I wonder if Big Pharma had a hand in this "study".

Yeah, you never know. My wife thinks it has something to do with Obamacare.

[BarryRX]

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.

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!

[gamby]

If Vitamins are worthless then why are they Prescription drugs in the Euro. countries?

Some drug companies do their own studies or hire to unheard of countries just to refute the benefits of some service or product in order to keep
anyone from cutting in on their pill or product dollars.

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by BarryRX

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!

When I told my doctor I was thinking of cutting back on B-12 because it might be putting my other B vitamins out of balance, he said, "no that won't happen." So I called a pharmacist and she said I was right. She told me to tell him to read a certain journal that had the results of a study. I always believe in double checking.

About calcium: I read in the China Study that taking large calcium supplements can "turn off" the body's natural mechanism for regulating calcium. And dairy makes the body acidic causing calcium to be leached from bones. In that case, I prefer to get my calcium naturally from dark green leafy vegetables. It seems to avoid all of the above issues.