Vitamin Pills - too much or not enough?
The press has recently
gone overboard reporting on the dangers of taking high doses of vitamin pills. The FSA
(Food Standards Agency) is suggesting we could all be poisoning ourselves by OD-ing on
supplements.
Vitamins A, C, E, B6,
plus the minerals selenium, copper, zinc, calcium, chromium
are among the one’s that have been ‘named and shamed’ for
having side effects ranging from stomach upsets to strokes.
Defenders of
supplements (and that includes nutritionists as well as manufacturers) point to out of
date or poor research, and, inevitably, scare-mongering.
Even the FSA concludes
that most people are unlikely to cause themselves any harm from the vitamins and minerals
they are taking.
(Visit the FSA web
site for full information http://www.foodstandards.gov.uk)
There’s a school
of thought that maintains we should stick to a natural, balanced diet to get all the
nutrients. But there is evidence to suggest
that we need a little help, especially as we age:
Soil depletion and
modern processing or even storing of foods can strip foods of nutritional content.
Older people are in
danger of calcium depletion, leading to brittle bones (osteoporosis). Calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc are some of the
supplements that may help avoid this.
With age, we may
need more vitamins because our ability to absorb them may be impaired.
Antioxidants,
vitamins A, C, E and selenium provide a high level of antioxidant protection. They protect
against the damaging effect of free radicals that are caused by stress, pollution, sun
damage and ageing. Antioxidants may also help prevent major degenerative diseases.
B vitamins are
required for energy production, immune health and nervous system function. Taken as supplements, they may reduce chances of
cardiovascular disease.
Lycopene, an
antioxidant found in tomatoes, is thought to help prevent cancers, including prostate
cancer.
Selenium, supplies of
which are depleted through soil erosion, may also help protect against prostate cancer.
For this reason many nutritionists and doctors are
recommending that you continue to take vitamin and mineral supplements.
Multivitamins for 50 plus
At laterlife,
we’ve been talking to Nutri Centre, the major suppliers of supplements in the UK
(and now setting up ‘shops within the shop’ at some branches of Tesco). We asked them to help select from their best
selling multivitamins for the 50-plus age group.
Here’s what we
were looking for:
Vitamins and minerals
are often measured in tiny amounts. Some are
measured in International Units (iu). Most
are given as Recommended Daily Amounts (RDA). These
RDA’s vary according to country. The US,
for instance, tends to recommend higher
amounts than the UK. Proposals in the FSA report and proposals to bring
the UK in line with the EU look set to result in much lower RDAs in some cases.
In order to stay
within safe daily intake, you do need to take into account any other supplements you use. For instance, separate calcium supplements might
take you over the safety limit. You can adjust for this by, for instance, reducing the
number of calcium tablets.
CAN SUPPLEMENTS CAUSE
PROBLEMS WITH PRESCRIBED DRUGS?
Anyone on oral
anticoagulants should be monitored and their anticoagulant dosage adjusted if necessary as
vitamin E can interact inappropriately with the action of these drugs. Discuss drug interaction with your doctor.
We recommend if you are taking any
prescription drugs that you check compatability with your doctor or practice nurse for any
drug interaction.
Check quantities of any vitamin
supplements to ensure the amounts you are taking are safe for you. |
|
You can now buy supplements from Nutri Centre
(the major suppliers of supplements in the UK) via laterlife
with a special 10% discount for UK laterlife visitors.
Simply click on the product title below for a specific product or click to browse the full range of
Nutri Centre products. Make sure you quote the coupon code LL010
(that's LL zero one zero) in order to receive your 10% discount.
Multivitamin and Mineral Supplements for the 50 plus
Solgar's VM Prime
Solgar’s VM-PRIME is a new multivitamin
designed to provide suitable nutritional requirements for adults over 50. Increased levels of vitamin B-12, Manganese, Zinc,
Selenium, Chromium, Copper and Molybdenum are included.
Solgar products tend
to be rather large pills, but the two-a-day dosage of VM-PRIME allows for a smaller tablet
with excellent absorbing qualities.
With no sugar, salt,
preservatives or artificial colour, VM-PRIME is formulated in Solgar’s own
laboratories. The company has a good
reputation, often winning awards for their products.
Higher Nature - Advanced Optimum Nutrition
Formula
High potency multivitamin/mineral
This is the multi that leading
international nutritionist and author, Patrick Holford, formulated for Higher Nature and
which he takes himself. It offers minerals such as vanadium and molybdenum, not found in
most multis, and optimum chemical forms of each ingredient - for example: many citrate
minerals, for good absorption.
Suggested intake
2-3 tablets a day with meals.
Multi-max
This preparation is particularly suitable for the over
50s because of the broad spectrum of the ingredients, the relatively high antioxidant
weighting and the convenience of a one a day
tablet. Although an invaluable stand alone
product, Multi-Max can be taken with other calcium and magnesium supplements.
A darker yellow colouration of the urine is normal. This is harmless and indicates the body is using
the vitamin B2 effectively.
Quest Super One a Day
Super Once A Day Divided Dose
is a high potency multivitamin formulation, with amino acid minerals which are chelated, a
process that makes for better absorption. Ideal for those who eat small or irregular
meals, have digestive problems or are unwell or convalescing. Super Once A Day Divided
Dose is especially useful for those wanting a high potency formulation, but in tablets
that are easy to swallow
Free from: Hydrogenated fat;
artificial preservatives, colours or flavours; added starch, sucrose, lactose or salt;
yeast, wheat or gluten; peanut derivatives.
Directions: One or two tablets daily with food
|
