My diet isn't terrific, and I'd like to see if I can ameliorate it by taking multivitamins. When I looked at the wikipedia article on the subject, I was surprised to see that it claims that "Some analyses have suggested that beta-carotene, vitamin A and vitamin E supplements may shorten life rather than extend it." After checking Centrum Protegra tablets I'm taking contain Vitamin A and beta-carotene, it seems. What's the real deal on that? I was wondering if any of the knowledgeable people of the board could help me pick out a good choice for a multivatmin, if these are apparently no good.
First I would not take wikipedia as truth, since anyone can edit it. Cross check any information there. Just recently I found out that most vitamins, epecially the cheap ones, are actually synethic and have a different chemical make up than what is found in nature. While they can get us the vitamins, the body has to work at converting the synethic compound which can produce byproducts that the natural ones don't. This might be why some think they shorten life spans, though I can't say anything about that. You can find vitamins that don't use synethic forms but they tend to be expensive and for a reason. It is best to get your vitamins and minerals from food rather than suppliments. Changing your diet would be the most beneficial path. It is not really that difficult.
Actually, I normally am skeptical of these sorts of claims, especially since its wikipedia and there was no citation. However, I do remember reading an article in the newspaper some years ago that suggested the same thing about multivitamins, though I don't remember which vitamins in particular. It really is confusing what to believe. Thank you for the information about the synthetic vitamins... that makes sense to me. Yeah, it probably would be better to get the vitamins and minerals from food rather than supplements.
Hey but guess what? They make Vitamins from food sources too, check your health-food store, this is really about QUALITY. THis also goes for omega fatty acids, and herbal supplements, quality, quality, quality (same with food, yeah?)
yes, there is some research that is showing negative results with excessive Vit E supplement use. i'm not sure about Vit A, but i know i've seen quite a few studies related to Vit E supplements you should try to get all your needs from whole foods before considering taking any sort of vitamin or supplement
People are supposed to eat foods like a plant or animal. Vitamins and minerals are not foods. And several vitamin pills can kill you (not just any, but certain ones). See this site on Superior Nutrition to learn why it is better to eat whole food supplements like greens drinks.
Well this is all off the top of my head, as I can remember from nutrition class: vitamins are organic substances found in foods , essential in small quantities for growth and for transformation of food substances into tissue. vitamins facilitate metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, act as catalysts for metabolic functions, and also regulate body functions. Fat soluble vitamins: A,D, E & K can be stored in the body (liver) so excess can cause toxicity. The liver can store vitamins and release them as needed. Which is why the need to supplement iron(and D) to babies is a rare need. Bf'd babies get it from momma and 15 min of direct sunlight. Same with bottle fed bubbies as the formula has enough. B vitamins and vitamin C , Folic Acid are water soluble , are not stored in the body, and can be excreted in the urine. Water soluble vitamins are light sensitive and degrade easily, so buying the vita-water in clear drinking bottles is a waste of money, as buying milk in the plastic containers is also a waste of vitamins and money. Vitamin K acts like a catalyst for facilitating blood-clotting factors, a vital component in wound healing. Vitamin A maintains eyesight and epithelial linings. Minerals Minerals are components of hormones, cells, tissues and bones.. They act as catalysts for chemical reactions and enhancers of cell function. Almost all foods contain some form of minerals. Too much iron can make you constipated. Too much magnesium and calcium can give you diarrhea. Most *QUALITY* multivitamins & mineral combinations have the bio-availbility and are food derived to be absorbed. Try this with a compressed pill type of vitamin, put it in a glass of water, if it doesn't dissolve in 30 minutes, it's not going to be dissolved in your stomach where the B vit. have to be used. So it's a waste. It'll get pooped out. So eating food that is of*quality* and bio-available is also important, because you won't absorb the nutrients and in turn, your enzymatic action in the stomach starts to become weak, and you start a cascade of dysfunction in the stomach sm. intestine and on down. Diluting your food with drink excessively and not chewing properly also has a great effect on food nutrient absorption. As the enzyme amylase (from your saliva) is diluted and not mixed up with the carbohydrates that are its target nutrient that it breaks down. Geez...I could go on and on.
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Cancersurvior, I don't really know much about that I'm afraid, but I do recommend that you start a new thread about it, so you can get more information on your specific problem. Good luck
vitamin a, e and beta carotene are all vitamins which have artificial versions on the market. i wouldn't trust these products or expect good results.
I read a study about the contents of many brands of vitamins & minerals.The study showed that many brands were not as potent as stated on their labels.Surprisingly (to me) is that the study showed that the Centrum brand was right on.Don't know if they are synthetic or not.
Really? I heard the contrary but maybe not so much a deficiency but ppl not getting optimal amounts either. The standard american diet doesn't provide enough nutrients and soils are depleted, foods are over-processed. Foods are not fortified to augment nutrients but to replace what was removed during processing, think white bread. Lots of ppl don't eat real food but commercial stuff void of nutrients. Ironically, many cases of obesity are the result of malnutrition, deficiency of B6 doesn't allow optimal metabolism. A body will crave when it's deficient in nutrients and thus leads to over-eating usu. of the same empty-caloric foods. Plus Vit. D is hard to get from food and tho created by sun exposure the sun is not high enough in the sky in many parts of the globe during the winter season.
Don't you DARE take that short cut. Exercise. You do have the time, you're just not willing to admit it to yourself. x
I've been a vegetarian since 1982. I take no suppliments of any kind. Vitamins, will never taste as good as proper food. x
