Posted by medlib on June 29, 2003, at 13:30:41
In reply to supplements causing hot flashes/ allergic reaction, posted by slinky on June 25, 2003, at 18:14:21
Hi slinky aka dreamer--
I'm delighted to hear that your supplements seem to be helping some; it sounds like they just need some fine tuning. A few thoughts:
--I agree with others re the "niacin flush". Some people even get a flush from niacinamide. Niacin is available in timed-release form; it's just more expensive.
--If you're taking a Vit B complex tab, look on the ingredient list and you'll see niacin; it's a B vitamin. Taking niacin (or niacinamide) a few hours earlier or later than your Vit B complex should help some. I find that taking an extra B complex in the afternoon gives me a little extra energy at a time when I normally tire.
--You might also check ingredients on your Vit C bottle; some Vit C is derived from nicotinic ascorbate, which may be exacerbating your problem.
--Calcium supplementation without Vit D is money wasted; Vit D is the "carrier" enzyme that transports calcium from the gut to the blood stream. Calcium is *much* better absorbed in the form of calcium citrate than the cheaper calcium carbonate (CitraCal is a good source).
--To answer your question about "storage soup": Vitamins B and C are water soluble--you can take as much as you want without harm; taking more than you need just produces expensive urine. Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat soluble and can build up in the body. I've never heard of a toxic Vit E overload, but it's probably best to limit daily intake of Vit D to 600 IU and Vit A to 25K IU.
--Ginkgo biloba helps reduce side effects of many psych meds (most SSRIs), but it can interact adversely with others (trazodone, for example). It would be a good idea to find out if it plays well with the specific rx meds you're on.It's never easy, is it? Don't know if I've ever told you how much I've enjoyed your artwork and posts over the years on Babble. No one here deserves a break more than you do.---medlib
poster:medlib
thread:237019
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030624/msgs/237932.html