Vitamin and mineral supplementation

[Arlene Kellman, DO]

Hi Gail,

The issue of vitamin and mineral supplementation is one close to home
for me. Like others on the list, I prefer to get my nutrition directly
from food rather than from concentrated supplements. However, last year
I developed a dramatic B-12 deficiency while following a mostly raw,
vegan diet, and had to resort to taking a daily oral B-12 supplement.
Even when I returned to eating a more moderate diet with some animal
products, my B-12 level would not maintain, so I continue to take the
supplement. This occurred despite years of constitutional homeopathic
treatment by an internationally respected homeopath.

I personally think the devitalization and adulteration of our food
supply has a tremendous negative effect on health and always needs to be
considered. I encourage my patients to eat as much organically-grown,
nutrient-dense food as possible, and to avoid processed food, artificial
sweeteners, etc. When people have an obviously unhealthy eating style
and are not willing to change, I sometimes recommend a basic supplement
program to cover expected deficiencies. However, no diet or supplement
program is appropriate for everyone so, as always, individualization of
treatment applies.

The mega-vitamin approach taken by some holistic health practitioners
appears to be helpful in some cases of severe pathology, but I think it
is too extreme (not to mention expensive) for general use. Also, high
doses of supplements may confuse the symptom picture much like
pharmaceuticals.

If you are eating a diet that excludes dairy and are concerned about
inadequate nutrients, I think you are wise to consider supplementation.

Best regards,
Arlene
gailz059 wrote:
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