Vitamin Supplements -- yea or nea?

[csodjd]

Note that in a not trivial but small number of people Zinc is tied to macular degeneration. Some of the "eye" multivitamins out there have zinc in them. Many of us were ordering a genetic blood test to identify those at risk from zinc (about 10%), but the test is no longer available. So, I no longer recommend anything with zinc in it for AMD patients, generally sticking with Macuhealth (which I take myself). I also take D3 after blood work showed it moderately low. But D3 is not water soluable, like Vit C, so you CAN "overdose" if you take too much. Take too much Vit C and you just excrete it away in the bathroom. Not so with Vit D.

Several reports out there are suggesting a correlation between Vit D levels and severity of COVID disease, with those deficient being at higher risk for bad illness. It is presently anecdotal information, but was notable enough that studies are now underway.

 

[Old Hickory]

A multivitamin is not harmful. Nor could it be helpful. Why are you supplementing? Have you tried eating foods that provide the vitamin or nutrient or mineral that is missing from your diet?

I told my wife that Omega-3 from cold-water fish oil is good to combat chronic inflammation. She didn't listen. Then I told her that Omega-3 from cold-water fish oil will make your hair shiny and healthy. She heard that.

 

[bobpark56]

I've been a random, sporadic user of multi-vitamins for most of my life. Recently, I have been more intentional about daily plus others. Imagine my surprise when I discovered an article saying these pills could actually be harmful in the long run. I think my previous motto had been "can't hurt, might help".

Anyone out there who feels taking a daily multi-vitamin might be harmful to health?

Especially confusing since my doctor has suggested a rather high dose tablet of Vitamin D.

Not an expert here, but I'm 85, and the vitamins, statins, and CoQ10 I have been taking over the years do not seem to have harmed me. Still have all my teeth, good gums, good eyesight, and decent blood pressure. Can't say the same for my hair. I do think it's wise to avoid excesses, though. If a little bit is good, that does not mean more would be better. I'm more of a believer in consistency and balance and sticking with it for the long haul.
Beware the research...it's vey sketchy. Did you know that there are at least 6 different kinds of vitamin E, for example? Have you ever seen any research that attempts to distinguish among the them? And how does vitamin D-3 differ from D-2...and what ever happened to D-1? Do they all have the same benefits? The experts don't seem to know.

 

[csodjd]

Some interesting info on COVID and Vitamin D.

Vitamin D levels appear to play role in COVID-19 mortality rates

Researchers analyzed patient data from 10 countries. The team found a correlation between low vitamin D levels and hyperactive immune systems. Vitamin D strengthens innate immunity and prevents overactive immune responses. The finding could explain several mysteries, including why children are...

www.sciencedaily.com

 

[b2bailey]

This is the article that started my line of questioning.

= = =

Why vitamin pills don't work, and may be bad for you

We dose up on antioxidants as if they are the elixir of life. At best, many of these supplements are ineffective. At worse, they may just send you to an early grave.

www.bbc.com

 

[csodjd]

This is the article that started my line of questioning.

= = =

Why vitamin pills don't work, and may be bad for you

We dose up on antioxidants as if they are the elixir of life. At best, many of these supplements are ineffective. At worse, they may just send you to an early grave.

www.bbc.com

As an eye doctor, I can tell you without doubt that anti-oxidants save vision. I've been at this since 1984. When I started there was no treatment for the most common form of age related macular degeneration ("dry"). Today we start people on anti-oxidants at the earliest signs of macular change and they often don't lose any vision. Even patients that have lost several lines of vision can improve 1-2 lines after some time with a good anti-oxidant macular pigment replacement like Macuhealth. So, I will wholeheartedly reject the premise that "at best, many of these supplements are ineffective." They won't cure cancer, but they certainly can effectively treat or delay progression of AMD.

 

[Panina]

As an eye doctor, I can tell you without doubt that anti-oxidants save vision. I've been at this since 1984. When I started there was no treatment for the most common form of age related macular degeneration ("dry"). Today we start people on anti-oxidants at the earliest signs of macular change and they often don't lose any vision. Even patients that have lost several lines of vision can improve 1-2 lines after some time with a good anti-oxidant macular pigment replacement like Macuhealth. So, I will wholeheartedly reject the premise that "at best, many of these supplements are ineffective." They won't cure cancer, but they certainly can effectively treat or delay progression of AMD.

My mom has macular, her sister has macular. I don’t, but I read I am at more risk because mom has it. Do you feel taking the anti-oxidants as a preventative measure is something one should do? Any harm in taking them? There are a few for eyes on the market, are they all as good?

 

[csodjd]

My mom has macular, her sister has macular. I don’t, but I read I am at more risk because mom has it. Do you feel taking the anti-oxidants as a preventative measure is something one should do? Any harm in taking them? There are a few for eyes on the market, are they all as good?

Yes, you're at risk. Good UV blocking and even blue-blocking glasses would be advised. (Leading theory is that blue light, which reaches the macula and is the highest energy visible light, is the source of macular damage. We have a yellowish pigment layer that should absorb the blue light and protect the macula. In patients with a reduced pigment layer the blue triggers oxidation, creating free radicals that damage the "RPE" layer leading to AMD. Antioxidants work by helping block formation of the free radicals. Other products like Macuhealth restore the yellow pigment layer.)

There is no good data on prevention from use of supplements. Logically it makes sense that if it stops or slows progression, it ought to also help with progression from "normal" to the disease. But I'm not aware of any rigorous clinical study addressing the question. All the studies deal with patients that are already diagnosed. That said, I personally have no evidence of AMD but I take Macuhealth. Not the least expensive, but I believe in their product and their science. It is minimalistic and doesn't try to be a multi-vitamin or anything of that sort. There were some flaws in the AREDS studies and so what is advertised as being an AREDS formula is good, but not necessarily best. I also always caution patients that if they are taking a multivitamin already they need to check the ingredients of the AMD product they are taking, and talk to their doctor if necessary, so they aren't doubling up.

 

[Panina]

Yes, you're at risk. Good UV blocking and even blue-blocking glasses would be advised. (Leading theory is that blue light, which reaches the macula and is the highest energy visible light, is the source of macular damage. We have a yellowish pigment layer that should absorb the blue light and protect the macula. In patients with a reduced pigment layer the blue triggers oxidation, creating free radicals that damage the "RPE" layer leading to AMD. Antioxidants work by helping block formation of the free radicals. Other products like Macuhealth restore the yellow pigment layer.)

There is no good data on prevention from use of supplements. Logically it makes sense that if it stops or slows progression, it ought to also help with progression from "normal" to the disease. But I'm not aware of any rigorous clinical study addressing the question. All the studies deal with patients that are already diagnosed. That said, I personally have no evidence of AMD but I take Macuhealth. Not the least expensive, but I believe in their product and their science. It is minimalistic and doesn't try to be a multi-vitamin or anything of that sort. There were some flaws in the AREDS studies and so what is advertised as being an AREDS formula is good, but not necessarily best. I also always caution patients that if they are taking a multivitamin already they need to check the ingredients of the AMD product they are taking, and talk to their doctor if necessary, so they aren't doubling up.

Thanks for the info. I have good uv blocking glasses but not blue ones. Will look into that and the Macuhealth.

 

[geist1223]

Do I take Supplements - yes. I take Fish Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Glucosamine/Chondroitin, CoQ10, Daily Multi Vitamin/Mineral, Supr B-Complex, and Aspirin. The Aspirin on Doctor's advice is for my Blood ( I have had Stents placed around my Heart twice) and Knees. Even Felix gets Fish Oil based upon advice from Vet and Glucosamine/Chondroitin. I know there are studies that question the efficacy of the Fish Oil and Glucosamine/Chondroitin but when I was working I was in contact with various medical professionals on a daily basis. Every Orthopedist and Orthopedic Surgeon I knew was on Glucosamine/Chondroitin.

 

[Monykalyn]

Statins lowered the CoQ-10 levels, so I added CoQ 10 to my regimen.

As an RD I always recommend this!! CoQ10 deficiency leads to muscle weakness, and the heart is a muscle.

Come to find out I am not digesting my food well. I am anemic, low B12, low zinc, low magnesium, low Vit D ( I live in FL) low RBC counts. I can honestly say seeing her was money well spent!!!

Over the years I have found many runners-marathoners in particular-are like you. Have also found that marathoners tend to not eat enough calories or fat to properly use utilize the vitamins they eat from food too, as I've found they tend to underestimate what they need. Have you found your personal times have improved with the supplements?

MVI a couple times a week, B-complex a couple times a week (particularly if I have any alcohol-even a single small glass of wine), and ordered calcium/Vit D as well. Also got my 22 year old on calcium/Vit D. Zinc pills and lozenges if I feel a twinge of a cold coming on-if I am vigilant about starting it right at first sign or exposure I can usually avoid getting sick. Trick is high dose right away and keep it up for 24 hours (I use the lozenges but side effect is losing sense of taste temporarily)

 

[Jan M.]

We've been taking vitamins for years. Many people who eat healthy find out that they are deficient in certain things. As we age our bodies are less able to absorb vitamin B-12 which is essential to good health. A B-Complex is something you might want to add to what you take. We take one several times a week as I feel that is sufficient. I highly recommend taking a timed release formula so it doesn't talk back to you. We also tale sublingual B-12 tablets too.

Twenty years ago an eye specialist discovered that DH has a pucker in his macular and that his connective tissue looked like lattice work. The specialist recommended taking Vitamin E and lutein. Now there are some excellent eye supplements on the market as OP mentioned.

I've been taking glucosamine chondroitin for at least 15 years as I have a very bad back.