Some supplements not really needed?

Posted by njx58 @njx58, Aug 20 5:16pm

I take a supplement that has calcium, D3, and K2-MK4. I'm on board with these. The supplement also has C, magnesium, boron, copper, and manganese. None are in excessive quantity, but I wonder if it's a waste. I'm pretty sure I get these through my diet. I'd like to simplify what I'm taking if possible . I'm not a vegan. Are all these additional items really needed by most people in supplement form? I'm thinking that maybe just the magnesium is useful to supplement.

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@doreenc

I read that beans also affect the absorption of calcium. I rarely eat meat so I was getting my protein from beans. But then I read they inhibit calcium absorption! My nutritionist suggests not to overdo eating beans - even though I ate them everyday - and to limit eating them when I'm not taking a calcium supplement which is at breakfast and dinner (AM: calcium is in my multi and PM: I take 400 mg). According to information on the websites of both Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Gregor, I shouldn't be worrying about this but then again, they don't have osteoporosis. I just want to make sure I'm not inhibiting any calcium absorption because of the beans in my diet. For now, I curtailed eating them and have resorted to eating a bit more meat to get more protein. [sigh] You just never know what the right thing to do.

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I also was consuming beans as a source of protein but doctor explained there are problems with beans. Can't seem to win.

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@teb

feather in the cap is warranted! it's a brilliant reputable site.

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I found an interesting interview Margaret Martin did with Dr. Tod Cooperman the founder of Consumer Lab. Toward the end they speak more generally about supplements and he confesses that he rarely uses any at all. It was taped 5 years ago.

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@trixiegirl


I found an interesting interview Margaret Martin did with Dr. Tod Cooperman the founder of Consumer Lab. Toward the end they speak more generally about supplements and he confesses that he rarely uses any at all. It was taped 5 years ago.

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yes, he's very conservative in his use. He sees the research up close and it often does not bear out health benefits and sometimes the opposite, risks. In addition, some supplements do not always contain what they state on the label, also regularly revealed in Consumer Lab's own lab testing of individual products. It's quite eye-opening.

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@teb

yes, he's very conservative in his use. He sees the research up close and it often does not bear out health benefits and sometimes the opposite, risks. In addition, some supplements do not always contain what they state on the label, also regularly revealed in Consumer Lab's own lab testing of individual products. It's quite eye-opening.

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I am so glad to read this as I refuse to become a pill junkie, especially when it comes to supplements. I limit myself to 5 individual pills a day and that includes prescription medication. My life is not going to revolve around taking supplements on some complicated schedule. Now if it comes to life-saving drugs, I will adjust accordingly.

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@doreenc

I read that beans also affect the absorption of calcium. I rarely eat meat so I was getting my protein from beans. But then I read they inhibit calcium absorption! My nutritionist suggests not to overdo eating beans - even though I ate them everyday - and to limit eating them when I'm not taking a calcium supplement which is at breakfast and dinner (AM: calcium is in my multi and PM: I take 400 mg). According to information on the websites of both Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Gregor, I shouldn't be worrying about this but then again, they don't have osteoporosis. I just want to make sure I'm not inhibiting any calcium absorption because of the beans in my diet. For now, I curtailed eating them and have resorted to eating a bit more meat to get more protein. [sigh] You just never know what the right thing to do.

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I'm confused by this statement as beans are actually a good source of calcium. The only true negative I can find is they can cause gastrointestinal issues, but I think we already know that.

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