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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Greg on November 21, 2000, at 7:44:47
I purchased the "energy" formula of the Centrum brand of vitamins, I also got the "stress" formula. It recommends 1, twice daily. My question is, should I take the energy formula once in the am and the stress at night, or would it be OK to take 1 of each in the am and pm. The two have some same vitamins (B12, Niacin, etc.), but there are a lot of different ingredients as well. I've heard that it is possible to overdose on vitamins (probably the wrong term) and wanted to get some input from the vitamins takers out there. Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Greg
Posted by Cam W. on November 21, 2000, at 8:27:48
In reply to Coral-Anyone Vitamins, how much is too much?, posted by Greg on November 21, 2000, at 7:44:47
Greg - It should be okay to take extra stress vitamin - Vitamin C and the B-complex (B1, B2, B6, etc.) - with Centrum. To a reasonable point, the body excretes (pees off) any excess water soluble vitamins that the body does not use. On the other hand, you may be peeing your money down the drain by taking a stress vitamin on top of your Centrum. The extra C and Bs may help maintain replenish the mylen coating on nerves cells (which helps speed nerve conduction).
The vitamins that need to be watched are the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. These will build up in the fat tissues in the body, if taken in excess and can cause problems.
Trivia 1) In school we were told that one gram of polar bear liver can kill you because of the concetration of Vitamin A is extremely high in this organ (Hypervitaminaosis, I believe).
Trivia 2) In the 1950s rats were raised from birth with no dietary Vitamin E. These rats were lethargic and were missing patches of hair. They gave the rats Vitamin E and they recovered (surprize, surprize). This is where a lot of the hype about Vitamin E giving energy. In healthy people, taking extra probably doesn't do much.
Following these studies, some researchers attempted to replicate this using mentaly challenged children who were institutionalized. (Try to get funding for that today). The researchers found that the body conserves Vitamin E so well, that it is almost impossible to deplete it.
Hope this helps - Cam
Posted by coral on November 21, 2000, at 8:32:51
In reply to Coral-Anyone Vitamins, how much is too much?, posted by Greg on November 21, 2000, at 7:44:47
Dear Greg,
Oh, boy... I have such a weird reaction to meds that I hate to advise...but when has THAT ever stopped me????
If you were vitamin-depleted, (based on your comments, that wouldn't surprise me), I'd start with the Centrum for a few days, (3 or so), then add 1 of the Stress tabs for a few days. If things are fine, then, you're set. If you still aren't up to par, add the 2nd stress tab.
I THINK overdosing with vitamins is hard to do - taking dozens or so.... but I don't know what other meds you're on, etc.
Others on here are MUCH more qualified... let me know how you're doing.
Thanks,
Coral
Posted by Noa on November 22, 2000, at 13:56:33
In reply to Re: Coral-Anyone Vitamins, how much is too much?, posted by coral on November 21, 2000, at 8:32:51
I have been reading from a big volume on Nutrition and I wish I could remember the name--oh well. I'll get it to you in a later post.
Anyway, the author (a nutrition doc considered an authority, apparently) says that if you eat any animal products, you are getting plenty of B12. A deficiency apparently takes a few years to develop, because the liver stores it. so, if there is a deficiency, it is either due to a diet deficient in B12 (totally vegan diet) over the course of a few years and going back a few year before symptoms appear) or lack of "intrinsic factor" which helps to absorb the B12, I believe.
Also, he says that some supplements of B12 (including those in breakfast cereals) actually contain a B12 analogue that is unusable by our bodies. AND, that if the B12 is in a supplement in combo with certain minerals and antioxidants (Vitamins A and E ??) these can break the B12 down and make it worthless to us.
One of my sisters, who is a vegan, just got diagnosed with B12 deficiency, causing anemia (an anemia not responsive to iron supplement because iron deficiency is not the cause--the B12 deficency leads to fewer red cells developing). Now she needs a series of B12 shots and daily supplements.
BTW, an interesting site is linked at Dr. Bob's homepage--the food composition site at the USDA--it tells you how much of each nutrient is in any food.
www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/cgi-bin/nut_search.pl
Posted by stjames on November 24, 2000, at 21:21:25
In reply to Re: Coral-Anyone Vitamins, how much is too much?, posted by Noa on November 22, 2000, at 13:56:33
It should be noted that taking all your vit/mins together, as in a pill is counterproductive. Some lessen the effect of others, if taken together.
I used to 2 doses a day but I have forgotten what
counters what. Look on the internet or consult a
dietition; one a day vit/min pills are not the proper way to get nutrents.james
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