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The Facts on Supplements and NutraceuticalsAugust 9, 2007
As women, we understand that the common sense of eating a balanced diet; getting positive exercise; and taking nutritional supplements are valuable steps we can take to ensure our overall health. And as Baby Boomer women, we also know that having our hormones balanced with safe and effective bio identical hormones can dramatically improve our lives now and into the future.

But, did you know that all supplements – also called nutraceuticals – are not created equally? Here is just one case that illustrates this troublesome fact.

Over seven years ago, Deborah, a 43 year old wife, mother and medical professional, was diagnosed by her doctor with a form of vertigo. The reeling sensation of vertigo would cause the world to appear to spin around her while she experienced the constant feeling of falling. These episodes usually came on without warning. Routine activities of daily living would simply grind to a halt and for this busy professional, this was simply not an acceptable way to live.

Over the years, different doctors prescribed various pharmaceuticals which had little or no effect. During that time, Deborah researched holistic approaches and purchased a number of different nutritional products at her local drug store in an effort to boost her nutritional health.

Hopeful that she would resolve her problem naturally, she faithfully adhered to her supplemental regimen. In spite of her efforts, the vertigo remained present. In the interim she learned various coping skills. She learned how to hold her head when she bent down, how to use the wall to confirm her position, and how to not panic when the episodes came without warning. She even joined a support group and lived, at times, with frustration and in desperation.

Earlier this year, when I saw Deborah for the first time, her visit was for hormone related issues as she was experiencing hot flashes. In our interview, she mentioned the vertigo as if she had accepted that it was something she would have to live with. I immediately ordered specialized lab tests to look at her nutritional status. To our surprise, Deborah had a clear deficiency in vitamin B-12.

She protested that she religiously took a B-Complex (which contained B-12) and was genuinely surprised at the lab results. While certain vitamin deficiencies can be the result of a patient’s inability to absorb vitamins, in this case the culprit seemed to be a substandard supplement Deborah had purchased from a major nationally known drug chain and taken for years.

In fact, contrary to what most of us think, US laws do little to regulate this massive industry. Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, (DSHEA) the manufacturer, not FDA, is responsible for the safety and content of each product. Even reporting an adverse side effect is voluntary.

In an independent study of 500 products and manufacturers, it was found that the content of that vitamin you take daily can range form 0% to 150% of what the label says. Imagine how unsafe the prescription drugs we take would be if we allowed such a wide range of discrepancy in content.

So what can you do to protect yourself and your family to assure that you have one of the quality products?

With Deborah, we provided her with a medical grade vitamin B-12 from one of the few manufacturers we deal with in our medical practice. These are companies that follow the rigid FDA guidelines used by the nation’s pharmaceutical manufacturers to ensure the highest quality and content of each pill made.

And what happened? Deborah has not had any significant episodes of vertigo in months! And even more importantly, we identified and stopped the potential for serious neurological damage that can be caused by a deficiency of Vitamin B-12.

What can you do for yourself?

Educate yourself. Ask your doctor if she or he is well versed on the importance of nutritional supplements. Find out what your specific nutritional needs are. Obtain and take only the highest quality supplements that your body actually needs. Be aware that just because supplements are sold over the counter does not make them all safe and effective. If you are not sure, look for a board certified anti-aging medical doctor, well trained in supplementation.

At the Anti-Aging & Vitality Center of Cleveland we are committed to being your partner in health. We thoroughly assess your needs and then customize a treatment plan with bio-identical hormone balancing, medical grade supplements, and other specialized therapies. We partner with you to reclaim and boost your energy, memory, vitality and sexual health.

We can't stop aging. But, we can change HOW we age and help you live a life brimming with health and vitality.

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