Supplement myths

Myth #1: I get all the vitamins I need from my food.

Research has shown that many people simply may not follow the recommended guidelines for healthy eating. Fast-food and convenience-food consumption, snacking, and soft-drink use have all increased, and it has been shown that many people may not meet even the basic RDAs for key nutrients.

Source: The National Diet & Nutrition Survey: adults aged 19 to 64 years, Ruston et al, HMSO, 2004

Myth #2: All vitamin/mineral supplements are the same.

A study published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences investigated the disintegrating properties of a variety of vitamin and mineral tablets and capsules commercially available on the Canadian market, including USANA’s Multimineral Plus. Researchers found that more than half of the nutritional supplements tested did not disintegrate properly. Products that did not disintegrate were further analyzed using USP disintegration conditions for dietary supplements. Of the 39 tablets tested, only 18 products, including USANA’s Multimineral Plus, disintegrated fully at the first stage.

Source: Investigation of vitamin and mineral tablets and capsules on the Canadian Market. J Pharm Pharmaceut Sci (www.cspsCanada.org) 9(1):40-49, 2006.

Source: USANA newspaper

A simple and safe way to beat swine flu

With H1N1 (swine flu) infections on the rise along with growing concerns about the safety of the new vaccine, scientists have discovered a simple and safe way we can protect ourselves from the worst effects of the virus.

A diet that’s rich in antioxidants – vitamins A, C and E – can ward off the most damaging symptoms of swine flu, and of any flu, researchers have discovered this week. The antioxidants protect the lungs from the M2 protein that’s found in every flu virus. The protein stops the lungs from clearing out liquid, and it paves the way for pneumonia and other lung problems.

In laboratory tests, researchers from Alabama have found that antioxidants counteract the M2 protein.

You can increase your levels of antioxidants either by taking supplements, or by eating more green leafy vegetables, broccoli, carrots, oranges, sweet potatoes, and nuts and seeds. Even red wine contains antioxidants.

Source: FASEB Journal, 2009; 23: 3829-42

Source: WDDTY

Should we be taking nutritional supplements?

Source: Dr Gerald Lewis MB ChB, FRCP. FRACP, MD, Cardiologist and a General Physician

Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue

Source: Dr Gerald Lewis MB ChB, FRCP. FRACP, MD, Cardiologist and a General Physician

Why we should be taking probiotics

Source: Dr Gerald Lewis MB ChB, FRCP. FRACP, MD, Cardiologist and a General Physician