Vitamins & Suppliments

[China Doll]

Hello Science!

Long time, no see... :c)

I've been doing a whole health regime thing lately.... Eating better, lots of exercise etc... And I've been taking certain vitamins for this. I generally take cod liver oil capsuals (so I don't ache after gym), milk thistle (told it was good for keeping your liver and kidneys in good order), multi-vitamins, gingsing (stop me getting colds), zinc (also for colds), a 'diet' tablet (boots own, natural remedy that I think aids digestion, supposed to take it after every meal) and one multi-vitamin for girls, (something to do with skin, hair and nails). I'm thinking of also adding some iron capsuals in to the mix as I rarely cook red meat.

Yesterday, I was writing down the ones I'm running low on and my collegue says they're a supreme waste of money. I've felt better using them but it's not like I've never heard of the placebo effect! I was wondering what the science take on it all was? Is there any point in me continueing with the vits?

Cheers all!

China

[theprof]

Incidentally, I was talking in very general terms about vitamins when I mentioned that true vitamin deficiency was virtually unknown in the western world. As I've tried to point out in my answer above, in the case of vitamin D, factors such as latitude are relevant which can be difficult to appreciate. In effect, in the case of vitamin D, it's down to the amount of sunshine we expose ourselves to.

The natural synthesis, occurrence and metabolism of other vitamins depends on different factors being met and I'd have been here for weeks if I discussed them individually. True (not secondary) vitamin deficiency continues to be very rare and I'm sorry if I didn't make that clear.

[jno]

you sure you're knocking on the right door here, nohorn? I don't see sallabananas here

[theprof]

China, once again you've got me blushing! How do you fancy writing my epitaph?

[China Doll]

Well quite jno... Slightly confused too.

Does 'that prof... blimey he was a clever 'un' sound good to you?

[theprof]

That will do! MrsProf has gone to bed, but I'll tell her in the morning.

[nohorn]

I live in the sub-arcticd, have for 30 years. About a year ago, my doctor said many of her patients were testing low on Vit. D, told me to take a big dose every day, I started on 4,000 units. After three months of doing that, she tested me and I was right where I should be. In about 3-4 months I will be tested again. I am still taking 4,800 units daily.

One thing I have noticed is that my finger nails are more firm. I have had paper thin weak nails for years. I am also taking 1000 mg of calcium, due being female and aging.

[theprof]

Hi Nohorn

Yes, the lack of Vitamin D is down to the latitude you're living at. I've worked in Alaska and I've spent time in Siberia and Antarctica and I know what you're talking about. There's no harm in the dosage you're taking. Your fingernail firmness is down to your calcium intake. The calcium is vital for you living in these conditions.

Can you tell me where you're living?

[nohorn]

Yes, the prof, I always appreciate your insight. I live in Alaska, south central.