Hey Mark - Just wanted to let you know that I appreciate getting these emails about health. They assure me I'm on the right track. Head's up tho that this blog about vitamins got posted twice - it runs one right after the other. Thanks again!

I think it also gets very confusing with supplements when you look at all the different types. The health food store says this, and the supermarket has that, and the drug store has another.

I haven't noticed a big change yet, so I'm on the fence about the possible benefits, and I have many health issues, so until these clear up I can't just take anything willy nilly, (ie calcium and iron because of thyroid medication, and watch out you don't take too much D). I have to time when I take what and I feel chained to the clock! But I'm going to keep on the "wait and let's see what happens" fence and hope for the best.

For me, supplements are definitely NOT a waste of money. I had my gall bladder out 28 years ago and over the years I've lost my ability to digest my food properly due to decreased levels of bile. When I went to the Dr and had my blood tested for vitamin and mineral levels I was found to be extremely low on zinc, iodine, and vitamin D. I was having very strong, very unusual hot flashes that began at my feet and went through my body causing my heart to race and pound and for me to wonder if I was going to have a stroke or a heart attack. Definitely not the usual hot flashes associated with hormonal changes - those just make you feel really hot. Once I started taking the amino acid Taurine, digestive enzymes, magnesium, calcium, vitamin D and using Sea Salt with added kelp granuales those scary hot flashes have not reoccurred. Occasionally, I will have an adrenalin rush, but not like before. The Dr also diagnosed me with subclinical hypothyroidism and I'm taking Armour thyroid for that. After 30 years of being overweight and fighting, fighting to lose weight, the weight is coming off. No sugar, no processed foods, no caffeine, no sodas, no below-the-ground vegetables, no dairy, limited eggs. Instead, I have lots and lots of fruit and salads, low gylcemic protein bars and lean meats. I feel so much better its really quite remarkable. I'm taking doctor prescribed supplements so I don't have to worry about purity since the doctor has all of that aspect covered. The most difficult thing about eating this way is the cost and finding the freshest produce.

I've been told that I'm prediabetic. In addition to eating a whole foods diet and exercising, I've also recently added two additional supplements that seem to help keep my blood sugars lower. They are alpha lipoic acid and evening primrose oil. From what I've "read," they can act together as an insulin sensitizer to help the cells respond to the insulin and allow for the cells to take in the blood sugar. Do you have any thoughts on this?
Thanks.

We need supplemnts that are made to "help" not tomake money. so many on the market don't help. their marketing is great. i do beleive that most people's bodies are so toxic that the supplements they do take make little difference.
the average over=the counter supplements have too many fillers, sugar, or sugar substitues, etc.

My doctor does blood work on me to see exactly what my body needs. I take supplements 3xs a day plus omega 3, dhea, armour thyroid, 5htp. I'm 52 years old & never felt better in my life. Simple blood test taken every three months at the begin. can help keep you in balance. I bought your book & share it with clients. I encourage everyone to take control of their health.

I am a vegetarian, and I lead a very active lifestyle. I found that when I began taking Floradix liquid iron/herb and a host of other vitamin supplements such as the ones mentioned in your book, I need less caffiene in the mornings and my energy doesn't run out in the afternoon. I eat a mostly raw, whole food diet, so this change was brought on by the vitamins....

Hi

Well, I have been tracking my supplements content through blood work with my doctor for 22 months now - AND I'm still gaining weight although I do everything I'm told - it's really depressing. Your latest book was a great help to me understanding what's going on, hoever, my body seems to have a will of it's own. Now I really do not know what to do

I definitely don't think supplements are a waste of money. However, it'd be nice to know which ones are actually working and good for you! I've found this book to be an excellent resource.

The only drawback? I went to CVS the other day to do some price comparing and to see if I could find the supplements I was most interested in. Beyond the fact that none of the multivitamins they had were even close to the recommendations that are listed in the book, by the time I finished pulling each of the different bottles, I still had about 20 that I couldn't find, had well over 30 pills I'd have to take every day, and would have spent well over $100 for a one month supply!

I hope that there will come a time when we are able to go to someone and tell them exactly what we'd like in our supplements, so we can just take a couple, instead of a cornucopia of pills. I can't really afford to spend over $100 a month on supplements. :) So, I just buy the basics and make do.

I wasn't sure that the supplements made a difference till I started taking cal/mag and vit b's. I am obviously low on these as I feel (within about 30 min) calmer and able to focus. Learning to pay attention to my body and what it's telling me is something new. I'm learning to pay attention!

All vitamins are not created equal. I have definitely found that I am healthier since I take my vitamins (and get a proper amount of sleep!). I used to get sick every winter and then cough (hard) for months afterward; got pneumonia twice. I had always hated taking 'pills' of any kind, whether it was a pain reliever for a specific circumstance, or vitamins as a preventative. I finally gave up, did some research, and started a daily vitamin/mineral supplement regimen. I hardly ever get sick anymore, and usually when I do, it's because of a lack of sleep, having slacked off on taking my vitamins, having had an unusaul amount of stress, or any combination of the above; and even then I can usually fight it off before it gets bad by taking the necessary steps (immediately) to correct the situation that caused it in the first place. So far I have not had too much success in the weight loss department, though! :( Sigh!

I have researched and used certain vitamins and supplements for years because I was ill. For over 20 years I went to specialists and was finally diagnosed with Urea Cycle Disorder - Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency. Amino acids, supplements, and a lo pro diet are the only way you can live. And I have finally started losing weight. The deficiency screws up the krebs and the urea cycle, fat storage, etc and causes all sorts of secondary diseases. I loved your book because it touches on many good things that people need to think about. I know I would have died years ago if we had not used alternative medical treatments with herbs, vitamins, and supplements. And now the geneticist requires them!!!

I have a genetic (gene #9) bleeding disorder...Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome. I am lucky as I do not experience internal bleeding. I have some horrible bloody noses though. I take copious amounts of iron, B12, Vit. C, seaweed vegetables to keep my blood rich in color. I am also on Armour Thyroid to keep my thyroid working optimally(Hashimoto's Disease) Within the last year I lost 25 menopausal pounds... not by dieting but allowing my body to tell me what I needed.

I take probiotics, digestive enzymes and some herb supplements. The results. Better health and energy.

I agree with your comments about vitamins. My even greater concern is
Genetically Engineered foods and the fact that there is no Govermental control. How can we demand
labeling of these foods so we can make intelligent choices about whether we wish to consume them or not.

Thanks for giving us a chance to be a voice for better nutrition and health!!

I didn't realize how much my Cod Live Oil supplement was improving my mood and energy level until I left for a 5 day trip and forgot to pack my bottle in the cooler. I had been taking 2 tsp per day at the suggestion of my psychiatrist for a few months, along with amino acid supplements for seretonin and depomine (sp?), and wasn't really sure that the oil was doing anything or if it was all the aminos. But during those 5 days, still taking my aminos, my mood slowly started to go downhill. I became irritable, and tired, and wasn't enjoying my vacation. I had attributed it to just general anxiety about traveling, but once I returned home, 3 days back on my Carlson's Cod Liver Oil and I was back to normal. Since then, I haven't missed a day and will know that if I ever forget to pack that "insignificant" bottle of lemon flavored oil again, I will definitely stop and pick some up along the way ! It saves my vacations!

Now my question is - are the aminos doing anything, or is the cod liver oil curing my depression?

I've just started reading Ultrametabolizm and completely agree that supplements are necessary. I was very low in Iron and every time I didn't take my multi-vitamin I got cold sores. My husband and I just started taking Fish Oil and I'm looking forward to improved health. Thanks.

My husband and I found that by taking smaller doses of combined vitamins including fish oil, tyrosine, L-glutamine and othere amino acides as well as multi's two to three times a day,AND we were careful with starches and sugars, our appetites decreased significantly.
Though we only lost a few pounds in several weeks, our energy and vitality shot up. My kidney meridians got stronger. We both felt great.
If we add more exercise in the same manner (frequent smaller doses) I believe we will also drop the weight.

My husband and I found that by taking smaller doses of combined vitamins including fish oil, tyrosine, L-glutamine and othere amino acides as well as multi's two to three times a day,AND we were careful with starches and sugars, our appetites decreased significantly.
Though we only lost a few pounds in several weeks, our energy and vitality shot up. My kidney meridians got stronger. We both felt great.
If we add more exercise in the same manner (frequent smaller doses) I believe we will also drop the weight.

hi mark
thanx for updates. they are very helpful..however re vits/mins or supplements in general i have been taking them all for years. no help with weight loss and i feel ok but if i take a two week vacation out of town i don't take my supps. and i don't feel a bit different. i have always wondered about that.do you think in a future update you might talk about GOUT? thanks

Hi Mark !
You asked for comments about today's email: What you say is of course right to a point, BUT most of us actually have an even bigger problem with supplements. Namely, it's not WHAT you eat, but what you ABSORB. Most folks supplement with expensive nutrients, but they end up going straight through. Personally I have this problem with CoQ10 where I take 200mg twice a day -still I have CoQ10 deficiency.
Additionally, I use my "Quantum Scio" machine to measure whether I need a supplement or not. But I noticed there is an ENORMOUS difference in the quality of omega3/fish oils.
So maybe as a codicil you might consider adding what helps us actually ABSORB supplements, be it HCl,pepsin or whatever. Yet another thought is that if one doesn't have an expensive machine like me, that one "muscle tests" supplements first to see what one really needs -and if THAT brand is any good.

Mark, thank you for posting this article. Knowing the confusion and misuse of information, I am pleased to see more attention drawn to our health. I would like to mention to you and others that are concerned with their health and well-being. Go Natural Complete Liquid Nutrition is a complex, balanced and effective source of Ionic Plant Source Minerals, Vitamins, Nutrients, Herbs and Amino Acids all yoked in Aloe Vera. There is no worry about absorbtion as liquid has a 98% absorbtion rate compared to 10 to 20 percent in capsules/tablets. For detailed information about Go Natural Complete, you and your viewers can go to www.gonatural-health.com . The book is spectacular and mixed with Go Natural Complete, I am seeing results.

For years I believed that the supplements I took were just passing on through my system without much value. I was buying quality supplements, but didn't think they were any better than the next brand.

I AM NOW A BELIEVER! I developed a condition called Trigeminal Neuralgia. A condition that sends lightening through my face. My nerologist gave me two options for treatment: Anti-seizure medications that would leave me feeling like a zombie, but only take the pain away sometimes, or brain surgery to insert a pillow between the nerve and the blood vessel. I wanted neither! Through research, I found a vitamin-mineral supplement that helps with nerve function. I am now pain free. I don't know why they would work this way on TN but I am thankful every day that I found the help. If I continue with them, I am pain free. If I forget to take the supps, I am quickly reminded that I still have the condition and the supplements are working. So Yes, I believe!

Dr. Mark,
I have been following your plan for about two months now and have had amazing results! My glucose count went from 140 down to 110 and the lab report said "non-diabetic" on it for the first time in two years. My doctor has started reducing my Metformin med and will do the same with Lovastatin in six weeks. My bp went from 130-140/70-80 to 110/70. I had also lost over 13 pounds since I last saw my doctor. She was very pleased and wanted to know how I did it, so I gave her a "sneak preview" of your book. She said she could recommend this to her other patients. I have been taking Paxil for years and everytime I tried to come off it by missing one night, I was a wreck the next day. This time I started reducing it to one every other night, then every three nights, then every four nights with no problems. I'll probably be off it completely soon. I'm on one every 5 nights and do get a little emotional occasionally at something I've seen on TV, etc. but nothing to be concerned about.

I'm SO confused!!! I want to take the basic recommendations - can you or someone give a brand name or site of where to buy the Vit/Min that meets the BASIC recommendations? The Vitamin store was a total waste of time - would take 50 or more pills / day and still not meet the mininum of all mentioned! Help - I really want to give this a try!

Thanks!

Those studies re nutrient deficiency don't show the whole story. What are these people eating? Do people who eat a healthy diet high in a range of vegetables, fruit, legumes, etc still show nutrient deficiency? Other reports indicate that most people have poor diets, which would have to contribute to lack of nutrition. Not that I'm nay-saying, but I'd like to know more.

Dr Hyman,

As much as you (rightly so) emphasize the necessity of whole foods in our diet, I am suprised that you are recommending a multivitamin instead of a whole food supplement such as Juice Plus or others. Studies have shown that isolated vitamins often deplete the body of those nutrients over time and other studies have shown that the nutrients in whole food supplements are very easily absorbed by the body, and are going to be much more complete; containing all of the phytonutrients contained in a certain set of fruits and vegetables. I definintely agree that our diets need suplementation, but have always felt that this was an important distinction. What are your thoughts on this?

Having suffered less than good health for over 10 years and being diagnosed with depression, pernicious anaemia (body's lack of producing one of the B vitamins), fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, doctor prescribed anti depressants and regular injections to help the pernicious anaemia. Not long after this I was fortunate enough to find a reputable company selling high quality vitamin and mineral supplements (in colloidal form thereby ensuring that the body is able to process and use supplements instead of just eliminating them.)In the 8 years that I have been using them I no longer require the anti depessants, the injections, chronic fatigue is basically non existent and the fibromyalgia is manageable. I don't know where I would be now if it wasn't for the supplements (including eating properly and drinking adequate water.) Other pluses include less colds, no flu and much better health.

Hi Mark
just read the information on vitamins. I do take some and have been feeling so much better. I also enjoyed the information on sleep. Makes so much sense. I appreciate the emails and look forward to many more
Thanks
Sandra

Mark,

Thank you for your great book. I haven't had a chance to finish it but am working hard on that project. I just want to reinforce that even good quality vitamins in pill form are not readily absorbed by the body and many end up in the waste management departments where the name can still be read on the pill surface. After much research it is apparent to get the best absorption rate a body needs the vitamins etc. in liquid force and even them some are cell-ready and others are not depending on whether they are angstrom-size or not. I have found this particularly true with glucosamine, which I now take in a liquid form and it has allowed me to postpone bilateral knee replacements and to resume teaching 2 dance classes a week, at the age of 62. The body just can't digest those pills fast enough to get the dosage needed to accomplish the purpose. Again, thanks for your book and your e-mails. Here's to everyone's good health! Sherri

Dear Mark,
I certainly can agree with your statements about the need for sleep. I have noticed that lack of sleep does impair my memory function and my mood. Thanks for the suggestions.

I found that after 1 week on the Ultrametabolism Plan and taking just the multivitamin/mineral, Omega-3, B Complex and C supplements, I have noticed a big difference in my health. I used to have problems with my hands, I thought I was getting carpal tunnel syndrome. I would wake up at 3 AM with numb, throbbing, tingling hands that would keep me awake for hours. After doing the plan for a week, I noticed that this did not happen anymore. I am elated, to say the least.

After years of experimenting with various vitamins, I have settled down to taking fish oil for omega-3s, a plain one-a-day, vitamin D, folic acid, and occasional C and B12. But what REALLY made a difference to how I feel is taking minerals. I realized that the vegetables from my own garden can synthesize most vitamins, but no plant or animal can synethize minerals. Plants and animals are totally dependent on the minerals they themselves eat, and soil is becoming depleted all over the world. I take Country Life Total Mins (the no-iron version because my iron levels are always normal) and have found I feel much, much better. The only reason I mention the brand is because I had a hard time finding any non-vitamin mineral supplements that include trace minerals and calcium, magnesium, etc. But where people on this blog are mentioning so many vitamins, I wanted to put in a word for multiminerals.

Dr. Hyman I enjoyed reading your book Ultra Metabolism. I saw you speak on P.B.S. I got the last copy that was avaliable in my book store. I am 38 years old and have let myself destroy and run my body down. Its amazing that if you look good to the eye and seem fit, its harder to realize what is really going on inside. I started taking your recommended basic regimin of vitimin supplements. One week later I can get through the whole day with energy, and notice a difference in some metabolic areas. I have purchased most on the list for phase 1, and just today completed purchasing everything for my "empowered kitchen". If you like I will let you know what happens when I start.

Today is the first day of Phase 1 detox program for me. I bought all the ingredients on the list and plan to follow the daily menus. I am concerned though that the daily menu adds to less than 1600 calories per day. This seems very low considering that in your book, you say that an average woman needs 1600-1700 just to live. Should we be eating 2 servings for some meals?

And to Dr. Hyman's latest entry, I would add another seminal work, Michael Pollan's The Omnivore's Dilemma for anyone interested in our health and the health of our planet. Fascinating reading and a wake up call!

Dear Dr. Hyman:

Like millions of other Americans, I'm pre-diabetic. My doctor has told me a lot about the dangers of too much sugar in my bloodstream, but I wonder about the dangers of too much insulin. Have there been studies of how excess insulin affects the body?

For example, I developed a gut for the first time recently, and I've also noticed that I can't loss weight, even on a 1200 calorie diet.

My doctor says I must be cheating on my diet and exercise, but I'm not!

Help!

Ed

Dr. Mark,
As a nurse, I know food should be thought of as medicine. In fact, part of my patient teaching is on good nutrition. However, I was teaching the wrong foods. I read Ultra Metabolism and am trying now to enjoy eating more of the right foods. I used to try "low-carb" and was always hungry and couldn't wait until I could eat some high-sugar dessert! I now eat a LOT of brown rice (with beans and vegetables), and a lot of fruit. No sugar, white flour, or dairy. Still working on giving up Diet Coke (but am drinking the caffine free version!). Also working on giving up coffee. I liked how you said not to give up everything at once, and I've got my goal ahead of me. I'm eating well, and have lost 9 pounds in 3 weeks. I used to have hip and knee pain when I slept (and needed Advil to get comfortable). I am 90% pain free at night. I do have some more energy (I know when I stop with the coffee/diet coke it will increase as well!!) I've been taking L-Carnitine, Lipoic acid, and B Complex daily. Best thing of all, I'm not hungry!! I feel this is a plan I can stay on.

If you go into supplements, would they be bought? If already healthy, probably not. If get something, maybe yes. Even on supplements, it took me a year and a half to "see" I have a symptom mentality, bathed as we are by conventional med. and media. As a smoker, I am always working for prevention; as pollution rises, so will others. If threats realized, as gen foods, yes. Please see "mycoplasmas" and gov't use of. Only one form of Vit. C claims to deal with. I want supplements to restore metabolic imbalances. Drs. don't have time to learn "realm" of alternative stuff. Nor most people.For you, options: train others to do what you do - ie. teach others. For business, weigh business aptitude and expertise. I know 8 with cancer; see Medpagetoday.com, 4/9/06: High Vitamin D Serum Levels Lower breast Cancer Risk. Ref. is to Vit D3. Men respond to "principles" to learn supplements; women seem to use an intuitive sense when trying new ones. And of course the risk factor: if make what works, FDA may take away. Larry King quoted someone: Luck is the issue of design" Good luck! Susan Kangas

I have been taking vitamins and suppliments for years. I believe it's one of the reasons that I'm still here and going strong, because my health improves every year.

diabetes, heart by pass and heart attack.Chotty

Not all vitamins are created equal. The key is taking a high quality, pharmaceutical grade product. I've been taking one since 1998 and it's done wonders for me. The Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements by Lyle McWilliam (available at Amazon.com) rates Usana's Essentials as the best.

Mark,

Interesting info on vitamins. I am taking Centrum and am thinking of trying some Omega 3. Where is the best place to buy and what brands are trustworthy.

Particularly Hungry

Dr. Hyman,
Your book says to visits www.ultrmetabolism.com/guide to learn which brands of supplements are the best. However, I have been unable to find a listing of specific brands. Would you please provide additional info/guidance? Thank you.

I agree with the comments regarding the necessity of whole foods and the avoidance of excessive amounts of processed foods.

It seems to me that God put us on the earth with a variety of foods to promote health. I really don't believe that most people need ten medicines from their doctor, or hundreds of dollars worth of supplements in their diet.

On the other hand, if all we eat is cheeseburgers and milkshakes, chances are our body is NOT getting what it needs.

Moderation...
Exercise...
Avoid excesses...
Have faith...

Dr. Mark,

I found your comments on soy very enlightening. May I ask your opinion of soy protein in such supplements as Met-Rx? Would you consider more than two such shakes a day to be in your "no-no" category?
Thanks for a great site full of useful, thoughtful, no-panic information.

Dear Mark

I believe that supplementing our daily diet is very important. I have had success in this and so has a friend of mine. For example, for years I was beginning to get tire for no good reason. I was still in my 20's. A friend recommended a b- complex vitamin which immediately began to give me more enerby. I later recommended the same to a friend who had similar results.

I now take a liquid daily multivitamin & mineral supplement called SeaSilver. When I began taking this, I noticed a 12 lb weight loss inside of 2 months. I did not exercise during that time. When I ran out & stopped taking it for a couple months the weight began to return. So I got back on it and have remained for 3 years now.

The supplement contributed to balancing my hormones somehow and I think that my weight gain was hormone related. In any case, I know that supplements have definately helped me.

Dr. Hyman,
Your book says to visits www.ultrmetabolism.com/guide to learn which brands of supplements are the best. However, I have been unable to find a listing of specific brands. Would you please provide additional info/guidance? Thank you

Your post on dairy shows you have departed from medical science for the twilight zone of hucksterism. You've taken Prof. Willett's name in vain, you've employed spurious arguments, you've propagated false data (it's not 75% who suffer lactose intoleranc, it's 90% worldwide, oops, a blunder of only 1 billion people).
Shame. Remove me from your list.

I agree with all you are saying but find it very hard to convince my family. However, I am slowly eliminating dairy, sugar and processed foods. Thank you so much for your encouraging newsletters

Dr Hyman,

Your comments about milk are right on, I gave up milk a year and a half ago, before that I had bronchitis at least 3 times a year, I have had it once since then. I do not miss milk and do feel MUCH better.

Although, I've read about Dairy products in the past. This was the most informative yet. I am going to try to not eat dairy for two weeks as suggested and see what happens. I do not drink milk but do enjoy cheese and yogurt. This will be hard but worth it if it helps my weight....