WHY SHOULD YOU TAKE VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS?

Susan Ross, NP

I have answered this question many times in the last 15 years as a nurse practitioner. Some of my patients are taking supplements daily but the dose is usually too low or the quality is poor, so they are wasting their money. The information I will provide today is based on research and clinical trials over the course of many years. Consumer Laboratory has conducted extensive evaluations of all supplements available in the market today. They provide purity levels, details of lead contamination, how long it takes for the product to dissolve in the stomach, as well as product labeling accuracy. Their recommendations are based on the best quality for the best price. I also follow research from Mayo Clinic, Usana, doterra, and Swanson Vitamins. These companies have scientists, medical doctors, Registered Dieticians and other health care professionals who study nutraceutical risks and benefits in order to ensure accuracy of information available for consumers.

I believe in taking supplements because the soil has been depleted of nutrients for many years; also, genetically modified foods are harmful to our bodies and many times, foods are not fresh when frozen or canned. Don’t forget about the pesticides and herbicides that are applied to plants & then become part of the foods. We need supplements to replace lost nutrients

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and to act as antioxidants to protect us from disease causing toxic substances we ingest daily.

Let’s talk about two vitamins which are critical to our health today. The first one is vitamin D3. Why do we need it and why are our levels so low? Vitamin D is a hormone that is produced from cholesterol when skin is exposed to the sun for 10-15 minutes. Since most of us don’t spend time in the sun or we are always covered up or wearing sunscreen while outdoors, the risk of deficiency is high. Vitamin D3 deficiency leads to increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, stroke, heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases. Studies have proven that adequate vitamin D levels protects endothelial cells, improves nitric oxide levels and lowers toxic levels of peroxynitrite which causes cell damage and cell death. Normal vitamin D3 levels supports bone and tooth mineralization and growth along with improving muscle strength and coordination. Vitamin D3 also promotes robust and balanced immune function, increases calcium absorption and balance. More details about the biochemical reactions is available from the sites listed above.

We need to take supplements in doses high enough to provide for all the functions previously discussed. I

recommend 5000 international units daily of a high quality product that has been vetted by Consumer Laboratory for purity and bioavailability. A list of my favorite sources is given at the end of this article.

The second supplement that is so important to staying healthy is vitamin C, ascorbic acid. How many times were you told to take vitamin C when you had a cold? How many times have you taken those powder packets thinking you were really helping to recover from a virus or other infection? Well, those little packets were also full of sugar which the viruses and bacteria love to eat & grow stronger! If you took one tablet of 500 milligrams a day which also contained sugar, you were not providing as much support as you thought. Our bodies need thousands of milligrams of this amazing vitamin to fight off illnesses, but lower levels can be effective in prevention. Let’s talk numbers. On the average day when you have not been exposed to viral or bacterial diseases, 500 milligrams (mg) might be enough. Personally, I would take more because bugs are everywhere & we never know what we are picking up in the stores or offices we visit.

I always take this one with food because it is an acid which might cause stomach pain. Higher doses such as 1 gram or one thousand mgs, taken 3 times daily with food, might also cause increased bowel function (loose stools). This could be a good thing if you happen to also have constipation issues. If you are able to tolerate even higher doses, I say go for it. This is a case of more is better. If you are living with a chronic illness that diminishes your immune system, IV vitamin C could be the answer to preventing serious viral or bacterial illness. Dr. Charles Adams, MD, owner of Personal Integrative Medicine on Cloud Springs Rd in Ringgold, GA, will be more than happy to explain the risks & benefits of IV vitamin C for your particular medical needs. His concierge practice offers this treatment as well as many other therapies including hyperbaric oxygen, prolozone injections, platelet rich plasma, and stem cell injections .

Deficiencies in vitamin C lead to impaired immune response since it is needed for normal development and function of many white blood cells. Healthy adults need at least 75-100mg of vitamin C daily to avoid deficiency. It is a water soluble vitamin that our bodies cannot produce and must be supplied in food or supplements. Remember, food sources are not always sufficient and most citric fruits contain fructose, unless you like straight lemon or lime juice!

Vitamin C helps prolong the activity of vitamin E which is important for a healthy immune system. So, do your self a huge favor and take a sugar free vitamin C tablet daily of at least 500mg if your body will tolerate that dose. The low dose mentioned above is only for healthy adults, not the rest of us who are routinely exposed to viruses and bacteria because we do not live in a bubble!

Trusted supplement brands: Pure Encapsulations- available from Dr. Adams’ office Nature’s Bounty Nature Made Swanson Vitamins Usana- available online Doterra – available online

Susan Ross is an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with Aspire Medical, Inc. in Chattanooga, TN. Her experience spans more than 40 years in a variety of areas. Today she specializes in house calls for adult general medical patients, hospice and home health certification visits, and managing palliative care patients before admission to hospice. For more information call 423-664-1140 or visit aspirehealthcare.com.