There's SO much information out there. How do you discern what is a good "multi" and what other vitamins/minerals you should take? How does weight impact the effectiveness of vitamins? Should women take different vitamins than men? What about B6? Does it really make a difference what brand the vitamins are? I'm just about out of my Shaklee (which I received from my dear fil) and trying to decide if I continue with them or try something else. Thoughts? TIA!

Cindy

"Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31

I've always wondered about that myself. People around here seem to range from one good multivitamin to all kinds of exotic-sounding supplements. If you read Dr. A's book on supplementation (can't remember the exact name, sorry), he says you should be taking all kinds of things.

Personally, I take a good multivitamin (started with Atkins Nutritionals when I was an LC-pup, now it's whatever Whole Foods has for a decent price) plus a calcium-magnesium (Whole Foods again) and I think the combo works fine (as long as I remember to take it!). There are other supplements for specific needs, but the basics are good for a start.

Finn

I'm also curious if anyone has had experience with the Atkins recommended supplements L-carnitine, co-enzyme Q10, chromium, and Atkins brand vitamins. Here are some links that discuss the theory:
http://atkins.com/Archive/2001/11/30-273880.html
http://atkins.com/Archive/2001/11/30-579503.html
http://atkins.com/Archive/2001/11/30-6024.html

I've got a little healthy skepticism since there's a product to sell at the end of all that reasoning, but if others have had luck with it then it might be worth trying.

I'm currently taking one off-brand USP multi, one Caltrate 500 mg calcium + vit D, and GNC vitamin C pills when I feel cravings.

If you read Dr. A's book on supplementation
Dr A's Vita-Nutritent Solution -- fabulous book btw

and i have to admit... i use Dr' A's vitamins

basic 3, EFA's and dieters advantage
(i do find them cheaper on line)

I figure, the man knew his stuff... I do take an additional E and C (when i remember)


My LC web site
LCE Member since 12/00

I also use atkins basic 3 and ef'a, and I too buy online!

To get to the rainbow you must first pass through the rain!

Atkins vitamins here as well.


LCE Member since 01/02
341/287.5/185

I took L-Carnitine and Co Q-10 for about 2 months and never noticed any change at all. I didn't lose any less than I had been, didn't feel any different either. I take a multi-vitamin from GNC that has 63 different vitamins, minerals, and supplements. I also take a calcium, magnesium, and zinc tablet, ginko biloba, and fish oil supplements. I get everything but the vitamins from Wal-Mart, and they're all inexpensive. Since I'm eating much healthier because of this woe, I think between my foods and the supplements, I'm certainly doing better than I was.

I generally read the labels at the drugstore or supermarket and try to pick the multi-vitamin that seems to have the most bang-for-buck.

Currently, I take Centrum Silver and Citrical +D(calcium/magnesium) or Trader Joe's Calcium/Magnesium. I often will pop some vitamin C or E and I occasionally remember to take the bilberry supplement I bought (for eye health).

I think getting more EFAs (essential fatty acids) is important. These include the famous Omega 3 and Omega 6 nutrients. At my opthalmologist's request, I used to take a lot of salmon oil capsules or drink flaxseed oil by the tablespoon. But, that was so unpalatable that I gave it up. Now, I try to eat flaxseed meal, nuts, salmon and tuna to get more EFAs from food sources rather than supplements. There is some evidence that the gel capsules interfer with the absorption of the nutrients, so you are better off eating the oils directly (yuck! yuck! yuck!) or eating foods high in EFAs.

~~~Teelbee

174 (Mar. 2002, highest weight), 164 (Jan. 2003, begin LC)
164/135/137-134
remember, amateurs built the Ark, professionals built the Titanic

Thanks all! It seems that Atkins vit's are the vitamin of choice for most.

Blessings,
Cindy

"Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31

This diet works perfectly fine without all those things. Still, I suppose they can't hurt. And a multi-vitamin could provide some protection if you don't eat enough food.

***********************
"Sometimes I think you have to march right in and demand your rights, even if you don't know what your rights are, or who the person is you're talking to. Then on the way out, slam the door."

I take One A Day Weight Smart, a Fiber supplement, and Vitamin E.. I haven't *seemed* to need anything else.. This stuff doesn't *seem* like it's killing me, either, so.. I guess it's either working, or it's doing nothing.

(296/226.5/135) 04/01/03
The Downward Spiral Begins

i use kirkland (costco's brand) Daily Multi, which is a vitamin and mineral supplement. it has everything in atkins basic3's, some things in lower quantities, plus some additional vitamins and minerals such as vit d and iron. i originally bought this after checking all my usual stores, comparing prices and formulations, to get the most for the money. i also take a folate supplement in addition to that as i am pregnant. and i am going to start additional vit C real soon for pregnancy purposes, right now i use an occassional vit c drop but they have carbs =)

the one reason i refuse to buy atkins (not just his vitamins but everything he makes) is the outrageous price. theres no way im paying $38 for a 60 day supply of his basic3 when i can get a 500 day supply for $14 somewhere else that is even more complete. basic economics, im cheap =P not to mention his vitamins have high doses of vit A which generally isnt recommended during pregnancy.

Erin
atkins since 12/2/02
preggo and lcing!

Okay, my question is: How do you know if your vitamins are getting to your cells or if they are ending up in the toilet? I've heard of "port-a-john" studies that have determined that the percentage of supplements that actually end up in our bodies is quite low. Now, I haven't actually seen these studies, only heard of them. I've heard people say that if a vitamin is less "coated" then more of it ends up in the right place. I don't want to spend an arm and a leg, but I also don't want to waste money AND think that I am taking something that is beneficial when it really isn't. My sil is a distributor for GNLD which she stands by 100%, BUT they are SO expensive. She and her husband say that they definitely notice a difference in all kinds of ways since they have faithfully been taking these vitamins. I'd like for someone to be able to tell me that who takes a less expensive vitamin. Thoughts? Thanks!

Cindy

"Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31

Supposedly, vitamin supplements enclosed in "vegicaps" have a faster dissolve rate so more of it stays where it's supposed to - in your system.

Solgar uses vegicaps, and they're not hideously expensive.. Just a tad more.

(296/226.5/135) 04/01/03
The Downward Spiral Begins