Vitamins

[nikei3ball]

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In my vitamin elective, we learned that synthetic vitamins (i.e. Centrum are very bad for you). Is this true?

 

[nerv12345]

one of the pharmacist i work with told me the same thing

 

[Priapism321]

In my vitamin elective, we learned that synthetic vitamins (i.e. Centrum are very bad for you). Is this true?

You're taking the elective, you tell us....what evidence are there to support such claims?

 

[Requiem]

No comments?

 

[npage148]

google search "synthetic vitamins" and click any link for a giggle

From http://www.munising.com/vitamins.htm

The synthetic vitamin producers and sellers all claim that synthetic vitamins have the same molecular structure as the Natural whole plant, and are therefore the same or at lease have the same effect. They never tell you that the polarity of the synthetic is opposite to the Natural and has the opposite effect. Synthetic vitamins always refract light, the opposite of the Natural Organic vitamin complexes. This suggests that you do not get protection from synthetic vitamins. In fact, the studies above show an actual loss of protection.

Though synthetic vitamins have the same molecular structure, they are a mirror image of the Natural. A MIRROR IMAGE? This suggests that they are identical in every detail. But a mirror image is the exact opposite of the real thing, in this case Natural organic vitamins.

do most vitamins even have chiral centers?

 

[Requiem]

It seems I'll still take my multivitamin every morning. Why quote something so ridiculous?

 

[npage148]

just to demostrate some of the crazy stuff people regard as fact

 

[PharmaSynergy]

In my vitamin elective, we learned that synthetic vitamins (i.e. Centrum are very bad for you). Is this true?

Did your professor explain the reasoning behind that?

I had a funny nutrition class professor. He explained that, while there isn't anything particularly bad about synthetic vitamins, it's generally best to obtain one's vitamins/minerals from food. And if necessary, to supplement any deficiencies with specific vitamins as opposed to taking a "broad-spectrum" multivitamin supplement. He said, "Well, there's no real harm done in taking a multivitamin, but in many cases, you just end up with very healthy toilets." 😛😀 (the rationale behind that was, because of the high potency of the water-soluble vitamins (such as the B vitamins), the body just eliminates the excess.) On the other hand, the fat-soluble vitamins (i.e., A, D, E, K) aren't eliminated as readily as the water-soluble ones. I think accumulation of fat-soluble vitamins could be part of the reason behind the "Centrum isn't that good for you" concept.

 

[nikei3ball]

Yes, my professor explained that in deceased bodies, the gellatin caps were found to be still in the bodies...or something along those lines. i found a site that i would like to hear feedback about: http://www.centrumistoxic.com/

 

[Requiem]

Yes, my professor explained that in deceased bodies, the gellatin caps were found to be still in the bodies...or something along those lines. i found a site that i would like to hear feedback about: http://www.centrumistoxic.com/

Are you completely trolling?

That absolutely insane website links to other gems like "Milk Kills" "The dangers of wheat" and "Seeds kill".

I've never heard of a multivitamin that was inside of a gelatin capsule either. They're usually caplets made with binders.

The brilliant website lists some ingredients in red as "absolutely toxic". Vitamin C, aka ascorbic acid, is apparently lethal. Watch out guys.

Stop providing misinformation, especially as a "pharmacy student".

 

[nikei3ball]

i'm not trolling, i'm a pharmacy student with an open mind about a serious question...just asking what i heard from a professor who taught vitamins and alot of herbals. just because something's made in a lab and heavily advertised doesn't make it good for you.

 

[Priapism321]

Perhaps I wasn't clear when I asked if there was evidence to support such claims...you know, the scientific variety??

 

[Priapism321]

Yes, my professor explained that in deceased bodies, the gellatin caps were found to be still in the bodies...or something along those lines. i found a site that i would like to hear feedback about: http://www.centrumistoxic.com/

This would represent the opposite of good evidence, just for an example.

 

[Old Timer]

Perhaps I wasn't clear when I asked if there was evidence to support such claims...you know, the scientific variety??

There is none that I know of. The supplement industry owns Congress. They get to be under the control of the Dept of Agriculture as opposed to the FDA.

There are some European studies, but nothing like the good old placebo controlled studies we are used to in the US.

That being said, while I have nothing to back up my recommendations except my own personal anecdotal evidence, there are some supplements I have used with effect on myself and my patients:

Personal:

• Vitamin-B Complex for carpal tunnel syndrome
• Bilberry extract for reducing the severity of viral infections
• Vitamin B6 for PMS (the females in my household)

Patients:

• Zinc for the early stages of BPH (Caution as it can cause increased cholesterol levels in high doses.)
• Lysine for cold sores.
• Vitamin C and Zinc for wound healing
• Honey for coughs. Some actual evidence:
• Paul IM, Beiler J, McMonagle A, et al. Effect of Honey, dextromethorphan, and no treatment on nocturnal cough and sleep quality for coughing children and their parents. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2007;161:1140-6.

But there is just not a whole lot of good research on this stuff.....

 

[VCU07]

Yes, my professor explained that in deceased bodies, the gellatin caps were found to be still in the bodies...or something along those lines. i found a site that i would like to hear feedback about: http://www.centrumistoxic.com/

Find a reputable source, then ask your question again. As a pharmacy student and soon to be pharmacist, you should find reputable sources, esp. if having to answer questions or for any patient based decision making. I hope your professor didn't recommend this site. It is absolutely ridiculous.

 

[SpirivaSunrise]

Lit search using Alt HealthWatch/IPA/MEDLINE doesn't come up with a whole lot. But some of this has to be better than that cooky website. So, I did the hard part...now just pull out the articles and let us know what you find out 😉

• Whole Food Supplements versus "Synthetics". By: Seaman, David. American Chiropractor, Nov2006, Vol. 28 Issue 12, p58-59, 2p.
  
• Recommending a Complete Supplement. By: Frank, Paul. American Chiropractor, Sep2006, Vol. 28 Issue 10, p48-49, 2p.
  
• Navigating the supplement maze: How to make the right choices. By: Barron, Jon. Alive: Canadian Journal of Health & Nutrition, Aug2006 Issue 286, p40-44, 4p.
  
• The Case for Whole Food Nutritional Supplements. By: Rubin, Jordan. Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients, Feb/Mar2004 Issue 247/248, p93-96, 4p.
  
• Doubt Dubious Descriptors on Supplements. Environmental Nutrition, Feb2002, Vol. 25 Issue 2, p7, 1p.
  
• Natural versus synthetic vitamin E: which should it be? Couris, R. R., US Pharm., Jun 2001, vol. 26, pp. 42, 44, 49.
  
• Bioavailability and potency of natural-source and all-racemic alpha-tocopherol in the human: a dispute. By Hoppe PP, European Journal Of Nutrition [Eur J Nutr], 2000 Oct; Vol. 39 (5), pp. 183-93.
  
• The Difference between Synthetic and Whole-food Based Vitamins. By: Frost, Mary. American Chiropractor, 2000, Vol. 22 Issue 5, p24, 3p, 1 chart.
  
• Vitamin E recommendations. Is there a difference between natural and synthetic vitamin E? The Johns Hopkins Medical Letter Health After 50 [Johns Hopkins Med Lett Health After 50], 2000 Mar; Vol. 12 (1), pp. 8.
  
• Natural vs Synthetic Vitamins. By: Albrecht, Frances. Alive: Canadian Journal of Health & Nutrition, Nov99 Issue 205, p36, 4p.
  
• Summary Finds Superiority of Natural Vitamin E Supplements Over Synthetic Forms. Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients, Jul99 Issue 192, p100, 6p.
  
• Vitamins fact or fiction? By: Roa, Linda. Prevention, Jan99, Vol. 51 Issue 1, p122, 4p, 2c.

 

[Aznfarmerboi]

Vitamin C can be lethal. .. if you have hemochromatosis.