Quote:
Originally Posted by boosami
Where's DS on this post? It'd be interesting to hear a physician's perspective.
|
Agreed!
I am in the "vitamins are a waste of money" camp.
I've taken iron before surgery and for anemia suring pregnancy. No complaints about vitamins when needed...
I diligently took folic acid before pregnancy and during, as widely advised. I Was distrubed to learn, during my second pregnancy, that folic acid has been added to U.S. food to the late 90s, since the medical community decided women can not be trusted to get their folic acid (which does reduce serious birth defects). In the meantime all sorts of other diseases are on the rise, and much speculation about too much folic acid in the food supply. (Too much folic acid is in the running for one of the many possible causes of autism. Colon cancer as well). I actually cut back my vitamins, second pregnany, upon learning this. I was to distrubed to realize we were guniea pigs in a "national folic acid experiment."
I think this is my issue with vitamins. The whole idea that "more is better" idea (with little regard that there is such a thing as "too much can be bad" - or that there could possible be other trade-offs). Also, certain vitamins are "in" and "out" based on the study of the day. I don't follow fads (diet fads? parenting fads?)because they change every 5 minutes. Vitamins seem to go the same way.
Along the same lines, a couple of relatives & friends in their 40s/50s were diagnosed with sever osteoperosis. Completely unrelated cases - their doctors both think their multi-vitamins were too blame. (Too much calcium was blocking Vitamin D absorption??? Something like that). I threw my vitamins in the trash around then. I always took them before because my doctors push it pretty heavily (particularly calcium since I am a woman). Now I am skeptical.
I eat well, I exercise. I notice little difference in my energy, vitamins or not. I have a LOT of energy usually. Healthy as a horse. Though would mean more if I Was older of course.