VITAMIN DEFICIENCY

Vitamin deficiency is very rare in Unites States. In spite of this fact, we are inundated by the multibillion dollar vitamin business claiming that most of us "miss" our vitamins by not eating the right foods. Reality is that this society diets provide excess of calories with plenty of vitamins. Our problems is not vitamin deficiency, but calorie overload!

OTHER PRODUCTS.

• YOGURTS. There is a multitude of so called “healthy” products,  i.e. yogurts to “keep us regular” or improve your immune systems. These products use the word “regular” in a very deceiving manner implying that they are good for constipation. Companies hire “respectable” movie stars like Jamie Lee Curtis advertising a yogurt that will keep you “regular”. Many of my constipated patients had been using the product saying very surprised “The yogurt never worked; but, it was Jamie Lee Curtis who said it!” Please remember that movie stars are actors, they are employed to repeat a set words for a certain amount of money, they are not medical doctors or scientists sharing their expertise, they are simply earning an income by doing what they do best, act in a world of “make believe”.
• ALOE VERA PRODUCTS. The amount of products that contain the chemicals of Aloe Vera is incredible. Aloe Vera is a laxative that works irritating the colon causing chronic bloating and abdominal discomfort in the long run.  Having a bowel movement seems to be very important in this society -and many others. Therefore, when peopla start taking these products they welcome the result; unfortunately the consequences can cause a lot of confusion when patients start having more belly problems as they continue this drug. It is best to AVOID it.

ABOUT THE VITAMINS WE NEED:

• VITAMIN B 6, B 12, and FOLIC ACID. There is a study published in the February 2009 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicines that suggests that the use of folic acid, vitamin B 6 (pyridoxine) and B 12 may decrease the incidence of adult onset macular degeneration in postmenopausal women.
• VITAMIN D. Studies suggest that 600 IU of vitamin D may decrease osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It appears that women need 200 IU more than men. Original studies about Vitamin D were done in males who only need 400 IU.
• VITAMIN E. There are studies that have failed to show benefit of Vitamin E in heart disease.
• MULTIVITAMINS. Recent studies, including a large study in women by a reputable group of female scientists published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in February 2009 showed no benefit of use vitamins in decreasing heart disease and cancer.

We live in a world where vitamins are a big business. The baby boomers, who hold the money in United States are getting older and want to stay young and energetic, and it is not surprising that most of the vitamin supplements and other articles of dubious benefit are targeted to us (I am a baby boomer, too). I am not against people making a living selling whatever they wish to sell; however, as a medical doctor specialized in eating problems, nutrition and digestive problems I need to guide my patients to KEEP THINGS SIMPLE AND AVOID UNNECESSARY CHEMICALS.

OTHER PRODUCTS.

There is a multitude of so called “healthy” products,  i.e. yogurts to “keep us regular” or improve your immune systems. These products use the word “regular” in a very deceiving manner implying that they are good for constipation. Companies hire “respectable” movie stars like Jamie Lee Curtis advertising a yogurt that will keep you “regular”. Many of my constipated patients had been using the product saying very surprised “The yogurt never worked; but, it was Jamie Lee Curtis who said it!” Please remember that movie stars are actors, they are employed to repeat a set words for a certain amount of money, they are not medical doctors or scientists sharing their expertise, they are simply earning an income by doing what they do best, act in a world of “make believe”.