The Great Vitamin Controversy--Debunked!

There’s no question that this has been the season for controversy, on a wide variety of topics from the national debt to the best way to protect children in our schools. In the land of healthcare, there’s more in the hot seat than our healthcare system itself—including a brewing controversy on whether or not we need our vitamins.

• If you’re on pharmaceutical drugs, you must take vitamins. That’s because most, if not all, pharmaceutical drugs deplete essential vitamins and minerals that need to be replaced. 

• Some health conditions, like congestive heart failure, are due to suboptimal levels of vitamins and minerals, such as coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and magnesium. 

• Taking folate reduces birth defects in women of childbearing age.

• Low levels of vitamin B12 can contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and prostate cancer.

• Vitamin D3, which up to 85% of us are deficient in, is essential for heart and bone health, and protecting against cancer and diabetes. 

• Vitamin C helps to prevent coronary artery disease, strengthens the blood vessel walls, and improves vasodilation. 

So, what vitamins should you take? I recommend taking a high-quality multivitamin and mineral supplement. For optimal heart health, I also recommend what I call the “Awesome Foursome,” which is a combination of CoQ10, 50-150 mg daily; magnesium, 400-800 mg daily; broad-spectrum carnitine 1-2 g daily in divided doses, and D-ribose 5 g twice daily. 

You May Also Be Interested In:

Key Nutrients for Vegetarians

Promote Breast Health with Foods and Supplements