Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation

Paul Reller, L.Ac.

Many people take vitamin and mineral supplements, yet few people understand how to utilize supplements to correct health problems or prevent disease. Most people rely on advertising, product claims, or simply take the least expensive multivitamin and mineral product. This is not a good approach. Studies have confirmed that there is a large variance in quality and content of supplement and herbal products on the commercial market. Understanding how the body works and logically deciding its possible needs will make a big difference. This handout tries to give a simple summary of the main facts in the complicated field of nutritional deficiencies. For more comprehensive information from reliable standard research, go to the Linus Pauling Institute website: http://lpi.oregonstate.edu. For quality assurance and help with this growing and complex field of knowledge, go to a Complimentary Medicine Physician, such as myself, a Licensed Acupuncturist that is knowledgeable and spends enough time and research to stay abreast of this growing fied of nutrient medicine.

Utilizing a professional, such as a Naturopath, or Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist with knowledge of Nutrient Medicine, insures that you avoid the pitfalls of poor utilization and problems with nutrient supplements as a medicine

The history of nutrient medicine is closely intertwined with Traditional Chinese Medicine. Joseph Needham, the authoritative historian from Cambridge, found in his study of the science and civilization of China that the first known examples of the knowledge of disease related to nutritional deficiency and the use of foods rich in specific vitamins to cure disease occurred in China. He cites a rich history of government research in early history in this regard, culminating in the work of the Imperial Dietician Hu Xu Hui in 1315 AD, who wrote a book entitled Standard Essentials of Diet (Yin Shan Cheng Yao), which describes in much detail the various forms of Beriberi, and advocates foods now known to be rich in vitamins for the treatment of this disease. The use of dietary medicine has a rich history in TCM and continues to be taught as an important part of the curriculum today.

The reasons for nutritional deficiencies are varied and many. In recent years study by the U.S. government confirmed that modern farming methods have severely depleted our soils and resulted in decreases in common nutrients in our commercial food products, sometimes over twenty percent less than typically seen in foods earlier in the twentieth century. It has been confirmed that many of these natural nutrient levels are reclaimed through organic farming methods and reconditioning of soils. Of course, a poor diet that relies on commercial packaged food has always been a concern, but even people that eat a relatively healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables may encounter nutritional dificiencies due to increased metabolic demands or dysfunctions in healthy metabolism. Drugs and environmental chemicals may also contribute to nutritional deficiencies in a variety of ways, both stressing liver metabolism and creating conditions of poor absorption and utilization. It is best not to oversimplify this subject and become defensive about the quality of your diet. Instead, rely on experts to diagnose possible nutrient deficient health problems and work toward solving them. The term essential, as in essential fatty acids, is a nutritional term that implies that these nutrients must be obtained from our diet, and the body is unable to produce sufficient amounts. Therefore, proper intake of essential fatty acids and other essential nutrients should be a prime concern.

We also now know that increasing carbon-dioxide in the atmosphere, cynically referred to as green house gases in the past, but actually an array of toxic environmental byproducts of industrial, energy-producing, and corporate farming and animal rearing methods, are also reducing the essential nutrient content of our foods. Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have been rising steadily in the last 100 or so years, as the natural balance of plant and animal respiratory emissions has altered the tight chemical balance of the air we breath. Researchers at UC Davis have proven that increased carbon dioxide in the air has not resulted in healthier plants, but has decreased the nitrogen usage of our food plants. Nitrates are very important to the nutrient health of the human body, comprising a backbone of amino acids and proteins. Research has documented a 39 percent rise in carbon dioxide in the atmospher since 1800, and found that at first this produced a decrease in photorespiration, or the combining of oxygen with carbohydrates, and an increase in photosynthesis, spurring increased plant growth. As carbon dioxide increased too much, the plants adapted, and photosynthesis decreased, accounting for consistent findings over years of study of dramatic decreases in essential nutrient levels, such as an 11 percent drop in wheat grain protein. Combined with a depletion of the topsoils, from which our food crops obtain nitrates and the use of chemical fertilizers that damage ecological balance, our basic foods have been severely depleted of essential nutrients.

As research progresses exponentially in the field of naturopathic medicine each year, health practitioners that specialize in nutrient medicine are able to use both research and clinical experience to give the individual patients nutrient formulas that may stimulate healing responses. There is a big difference, though, between standard nutrient supplementation and the use of nutrient medicines to stimulate chemical changes in the body to enact cures. Many patients believe that standard nutrient products sold commercially will deliver as advertised, and are discouraged from utilizing the knowledge and experience of the Complementary Medicine physician to achieve cure and restoration of health with nutrient formulas. There are two problems with this common attitude that commercial multi-nutrient supplements are enough to restore healthy metabolic function in the body. One, in the United States, the FDA does not enforce regulation of commercial nutrient products, resulting in a majority of products tested not delivering what they claim to deliver, and two, oversimplification of the complex subject of nutrient physiology and medicinal supplementation will not result in the desired metabolic changes that patients need. Professional products, backed by sound research, and utilized by a heatlh professional that has taken the time to study and understand human physiology and the way that nutrient medicines work, will produce the right results. The patient needs to both improve their daily nutrition, and to utilize the right professional to solve health problems with professional prescription. Improving one's daily nutrient intake involves both good selection of the most nutrient rich foods and taking the right essential nutrient supplements when needed. Below is a little basic information to help the patient better understand the essential nutrient needs of the human body, but it is just a small portion of a complex subject.

Basic Facts

Vitamins and minerals are essential to your health and so the body stores a long supply of these essentials. A 6-month supply of a typical vitamin is commonly stored in the body, typically in the liver. Minerals are tightly controlled by the hormonal system and kidney and stored mainly in our bones. Deficiencies of vitamins and minerals occur for a number of reasons. 1) If the diet is poor and lacking in fresh unprocessed whole organic foods, 2) If the body needs an excess of a particular vitamin or mineral because of a health problem that increases the need, 3) if the vitamin or mineral is not being absorbed properly in the digestion, or 4) if the body’s ability to store the vitamin or mineral is diminished by poor liver health or increased liver stress, or by hormonal imbalance causing poor mineral regulation. Since certain vitamins are mainly produced by healthy bacteria in the intestines rather than obtained from food, health of the intestinal flora and fauna may be essential, also.
Why would a vitamin or mineral not be absorbed properly in the digestion? This is a complex subject, but some common deficiencies are now coming to light that are causing major health problems. Medications that affect the stomach physiology, for example, such as those that block stomach acid production, include warnings now that they may create a much higher risk of osteoporotic bone fractures. This is because they stop the normal functions that are needed to create the dietary absorption of calcium and other minerals. Some medications may create anemia because they diminish the ability of the body to absorb or produce the B12 chemicals and folic acid by altering the functions of the stomach, intestines or liver. It is now widely recognized that many patients prescribed durgs to block stomach acid production were prescribed to patients with a deficiency of stomach acid production, which produces similar symptoms. Hypofunction of the stomach creates poor stomach emptying that leads to reflux, and also to degeneration of the stomach lining and sphincters, especially the lower esophageal sphincter. Reflux and GERD is also associated with asthmatic disease, and may be caused by taking some of the asthmatic medications too much. Simply taking a pill may not correct these problems of stomach dysfunction, calcium deficiency, osteoporosis, etc. To insure proper nutritional levels in your body you should restore gastrointestinal function, and try to recreate normal nutrient digestion with a healthy diet. Absorption and utilization of important nutrients is much higher from foods than pills, and without a healthy stomach and intestine, absorption of these nutrients may be very difficult. A holistic approach to the problem is warranted. General use of supplements may substitute for the decreasing nutrients in our foods (depleted by years of commercial farming and topsoil erosion) but to use supplements to cure, consult a specialist. Simply taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement may not be doing much good.
Long-term use of common medications are producing nutrient deficiencies associated with many common disease processes. Intelligent patients are not just depending upon symptom management with pharmaceuticals, but are also integrating Complementary Medicine to try to improve health and resolve the underlying causes of their problem, thereby creating the conditions to go off of expensive pharmaceuticals with many side effects and long-term risk that may exceed benefit. This not only will help the individual's health and pocketbook, but will bring down our country's health care costs, which is the major driver of the enormous federal deficits. As mentioned, use of medications to block stomach acid production have been shown to result in poor absorption of minerals, Vitamin B12 (deficient intrinisic factor in the stomach lining), and also may result in diminished protein absorption. When there is diminished protein absorption, overgrowths of Heliobacter pyloris often occur, since this common GI flora produces a chemical that increases protein catabolism. Heliobacter pylori, or H. pylori, has been found in over 60% of the world population, acting as a symbiotic bacteria in almost all patients studied. Heliobacter pylori is able to survive in a high acid environment, and its corkscrew shape allows it to burrow into the stomach lining, and secretes chemicals that are protective in diseases of the esophageal and stomach lining. H. pylori also is unique as it secretes a digestive enzyme urease, that helps the stomach to begin the breakdown of complex proteins. In fact, the test for H. pylori utilizes the carbon urea breath test. Therefore, this bacteria grows in excess when there is poor stomach function. High levels of H. pylori are associated with ulcers and stomach cancer, not because H. pylori is a proven cause, but because this a marker for disease. Nevertheless, standard treatment is still stuck in a protocol of decades ago, with harsh antibiotic treatment prescribed that itself causes damage to the health, and potentially, other nutrient deficiencies. Antibiotics destroy healthy bacteria throughout the GI tract, and many of these bacteria in the lower gut produce many important nutrients, such as many B vitamins. This is why probiotics, which attempt to restore healthy bacteria, are so popular at present.
Cholesterol lowering drugs called statins are now the most widely prescribed drug in the world. These drugs can greatly interfere with Coenzyme Q10 production in the cells with chronic use. Coenzyme Q10, called ubiquitone because it is ubiquitous in our bodies, or in all cells, is highly important and often deficient in the population in scientific studies. In fact, CoQ10 deficiency has been recognized as a primary cause of some horrible diseases, especially neurodegenerative conditions. This coenzyme is necessary to regulate the rates of many important cellular processes, especially creation of energy from oxygen in the cell mitochondria, but also of production of other enzymes and coenzymes. CoQ10 is needed to produce the active form of Vitamin E, and is protective of DNA as a cellular antioxidant. It inhibits excess lipid peroxidation, which causes many unwanted inflammatory symptoms. Coenzyme Q10 deficiency has been implicated in congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, strokes, hypertensiion, heart attacks, atherosclerosis, obesity, gum disease, AIDS, Parkinson's, etc. Other commonly prescribed drugs that may cause nutritional deficiencies are oral contraceptives, estrogen replacement drugs, anticonvulsants, diabetic medications, high blood pressure medications, anti-inflammatory NSAIDS, beta-blockers (hypertension and asthma), antidepressants, and anti-anxiety benzodiazepines.
Circulating levels of vitamins and minerals are tightly regulated in the body. Since these are powerful and essential chemicals, and since minerals are usually electrically charged and very large molecules able to get caught in tissues in an unwanted fashion, the body has an elaborate system of regulation. Simply pouring in pills doesn’t necessarily equal increased circulation levels. In fact, in menopause, when estrogen is deficient, which regulates calcium, the taking of a calcium supplement may in fact lead to tissue calcification and frozen shoulder. Hormonal health and healthy liver function is necessary for those supplemental nutrients to work for you.
Absorption and utilization of the supplements depends on the body’s needs and the manner in which you ingest them. Often, more than 90% of your pill supplements are not used and merely exiting with your urine. Potentially, 100% of these expensive products could be non-utilized. Multivitamin and mineral products, when not taken correctly, could lead to all of these supplements as a whole entity not being utilized and merely excreted unused. Nature has evolved a complex balance of chemical nutrients over time because of physiological needs. There are many checks and balances in this system. Nutrients in food comes from living organisms that have this complex balance, and often one nutrient mineral or vitamin will have the effect of limiting the absorption of another mineral or vitamin. Consequently, multivitamin and mineral products are not a good idea in general, especially if taken daily over a long period of time. This practice could eventually cause a particular vitamin or mineral depletion. If you take a multi, take it for a few weeks and then stop for a month or two. Improving dietary intake of nutrients is always the best approach for natural balance, and specific prescription of nutrient supplements is a much better use of your money and effort. Vitamin and mineral pill supplements are best utilized when taken with foods that contain these chemicals. For instance, fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, and E, require concurrent consumption of dietary fat to insure adequate absorption. Taking these pills between meals, especially in the form of multi-vitamins, with mixed fat-soluble and water-soluble chemicals may dramatically decrease the chemical absorption and utilization.
Are some vitamin and mineral supplements potentially injurious to your health? The answer is definitely YES. Excess intake of pill supplements of certain lipid soluble vitamins (some forms of A & D) are purported to commonly cause health problems. Vitamins are not specific chemical substances, but rather a group, or classification, of organic chemicals with similar function, mostly acting as coenzymes. Chronic intake with just one form of the vitamin may lead to deficiencies of the other forms in your metabolism. Taking the right form of the vitamin classification is very important. Excess intake of certain calcium products also may contribute to accumulation of calcium ions in the tissues, causing chronic inflammatory pain and tissue degeneration. How this works will be explained later in this handout. Generally, water soluble vitamins that are commonly found in normal foods rarely cause harm with excess intake. These include most of the B vitamin family and forms of vitamin C. Vitamin E, a lipid soluble, also appears to cause little problem with daily intake, but the correct dosage is essential. Some minerals commonly added to other commercial products and over the counter medicines may be taken, unnoticed, in excess, such as zinc, and impair calcium absorption. Excess zinc intake may cause a relative deficiency of copper, which may lead to poor iron absorption, anemia, and thyroid problems. High levels of zinc and Vitamin D also decrease absorption of magnesium. Long use of oral contraceptives or gluten malabsorption syndrome or celiac disease may also contribute to copper deficiency. Heavy antacid use may also cause an excess intake of a mineral and impede absorption of other minerals. Read the labels on drugstore products to see if they contain appreciable levels of minerals.
What are vitamins? Vitamin is a term that is used to denote a type of chemical, usually acting as a coenzyme (helping the enzymes work efficiently), and not a specific chemical. Specific vitamin chemicals also have a number of important functions beside coenzyme activity, acting as antioxidants, metabolic cofactors, etc. Each vitamin actually equals a family of chemicals, so when we buy Vitamin D, for example, we may be purchasing a chemical that is not deficient in the body even when there is a Vitamin D deficiency. The nutrient chemicals cholecalciferol (D3) and ergocalciferol (D2) were two of the earliest chemicals identified as vitamins, but we now know that these chemicals are actually prohormones, and exert no vitamin-like effects themselves. There are five known Vitamin D prohormone chemicals, and over 20 converted metabolites of these prohormones that may have vitamin-like activities in the body. The benefit of taking a supplement simply called Vitamin D is questionable. Taking the right type of vitamin, or other supplement, and making sure that our bodies absorb and utilize the right chemical nutrient supplement properly is very important.
The body often converts one form of a vitamin into another as needed, mainly in our organs, so healthy organ functions are essential to utilization of vitamins, as well as taking the right form of the vitamin and eating it with the right types of food to maximize absorption. Food is obtained from living organisms that all have a similar chemical mix, and so healthy food contains the most commonly needed types of these various vitamin chemical family members. Hence, food is our best source of vitamins, not supplement pills, and there is no subsitute for a healthy diet. Normal metabolism is completely dependant on this type of chemical coenzyme we call vitamins. Hence, eating of natural unprocessed whole food is essential to proper physiological function. Simply adding nutrients to the processed foods, as the industry does with processed flour, for example, is not providing us with all the chemicals that we need. Some vitamins are coenzymes, some are steroid hormones, some are antioxidants, some are inflammatory mediators, etc. Some vitamins are not called vitamins, such as the amino acid carnitine, alpha lipoic acid, flavonoids, folic acid, inositol, choline and biotin. In general, a vitamin is a chemical that is essential to daily processes in the body, for example, production of red blood cells and protein regulators, dietary utilization of calcium, production of neurotransmitters, etc. To insure that there is not a harmful deficiency, we must ingest natural unprocessed foods. The quickest way to insure that you will get a harmful deficiency in time is to stick to a diet of fast foods. Fast foods are a threat to the public health in this way. Multivitamin and mineral supplements are no substitute for fresh, whole healthy foods.
Are Vitamin deficiencies and related symptoms a simple matter of failure to take supplements? Modern study has shown that animals with severe specific vitamin depletions may not necessarily have the signs and symptoms of the vitamin deficiency syndrome commonly noted. It is believed that these symptoms are the result of primary disorders, and that vitamin deficiency may not be causative, but rather contributes in a complex metabolic manner. On the other hand, specific syndromes have been found to be corrected by dietary supplementation even when the study animal is not primarily deficient in the specific vitamin chemical. Circulating levels of vitamins and other nutrients in blood tests are now commonly used as a diagnostic tool, with claims that maintenance of circulating levels will prevent or correct health problems. This simplified concept does fail to overlook all of the metabolic parameters. The circulating levels may be high or low depending on need in the body, and may not reflect tissue stores. Absorption and utilization is also overlooked in this simplified scheme. The bottom line in nutraceutical medicine is research and clinical experience that shows that specific vitamin chemicals, taken in proper dosage and manner, may have the desired therapeutic effect. The body is not a machine, or engine, that responds simply by filling the tank. No therapeutic protocol is guaranteed to work because of the complexity of the organism, but informed prescription and observation of signs and symptoms by a professional, with adjustment of the therapeutic protocol as needed, probably will achieve great results in curing your health problems and restoring optimal health.
What is a mineral? A mineral is a chemical that is inorganic and usually able to hold an electrical charge. Vitamins are organic (carbon based) compounds and minerals are inorganic (not containing carbon). The term organic in the food industry does not refer to compounds, but to foods that are left intact or unprocessed as they were in the organism that was grown. Vitamins are organic compounds, meaning that the chemicals in the vitamins are held together by shared electrons. Minerals are inorganic compounds, meaning that the chemicals are held together by electrical charges, like magnets. Minerals thus attract other electrically charged molecules and carry them, and also provide the electrical flows that power our nervous system and make our muscles contract and relax. Minerals are also crystalline structures, meaning that they don’t break down into other types of molecules easily. They stay whole but attach to other chemicals easily. Salt is a mineral mix that usually contains the mineral sodium. Not all salts are the same. Your commercial salt may be a bad mix of minerals. Quality sea salts are generally a mix of chemicals that resembles the normal mix in your body fluids (isn’t nature wonderful?). These sea salts may contain up to 60 mineral compounds. Commercial salt is bad, quality sea salt is good. The general advice to avoid salt is simplistic and stupid. Intake of a little quality sea salt is healthy. Processed foods contain a lot of commercial salt. Since salts & minerals need to be balanced in the body, intake of one mineral will often decrease the ability to absorb another mineral. Multimineral supplements are thus potentially creating mineral deficiencies. Once again, quality assurance and prescription of mineral supplements based on research and clinical experience has a much higher chance of success in your health care. Taking poor quality mineral supplements or the wrong type or dosage of supplement may have detrimental effects.

Effective Vitamin and Mineral Therapy

Depending on advertising and the commercial market, medical doctors with no training in nutrient therapy or theory, or simply taking a commercial multivitamin and mineral pill will not do the trick. There are some simple guidelines, though, to understanding what you may need (always try to take the pills with foods that contain the product to increase absorption and usage by the body): Below are the commonly beneficial and often deficient vitamins and minerals in order of importance. All of these should be taken with food, preferably with food containing the chemical, but it is at least important to take lipid/fat soluble vitamins with fatty foods. Water-soluble vitamins and minerals should be taken with non-fatty foods and water. If you don’t do this, use and absorption may not occur and the pills are wasted. B12 use is complex and requires special consideration (seen below). Vitamin & mineral deficiencies may be complex (deficiency of the vitamin in the red blood cells, for example) and require supplementation of 6+months, or it may be simple, with a booster supplement or short mega-dose correcting the metabolism. Only mega-dose when you know that a large dosage is safe. Taking a multivitamin or mulitmineral complex year round in not necessary due to natural storage of these chemicals in your body. In addition, quality is often suspect in multivitamin and multimineral supplements, and the U.S. government provides little or no regulation to insure content and quality. Finally, in common multimineral complexes, some minerals may inhibit the absorption of others.

Deficiency signs and symptoms are often hard to understand with nutritional deficiencies. These sings and symptoms become severe only when there is a severe deficiency. A mild deficiency may cause a variety of symptoms or signs that come and go. Since the mechanism of cause is different for many of these signs and symptoms you may have one sign or symptom and not any of the others attributed to the deficiency. Also, metabolic utilization of nutrients may be problematic and cause specific chemical deficiencies. For instance, if there is increased need for nutrient chemical or cofactor, some part of your metabolism may be deprived of an essential nutrient despite the fact that the total supply in circulation is normal. This, of course, creates a very indefinite diagnosis in many instances. Sometimes one must try supplementation for awhile and see if this benefits. If not, this may have not been the cause, or at least the whole cause. Once again, professional diagnosis and a healthy change in dietary habits will help insure an end to the problem.

Here are some of the most commonly needed supplements. Take only what you need when you need it. There is usually no need to spend a fortune forever in nutritional medicine. Getting these nutritional needs from food is preferrable to continuous supplementation. This is a small and partial list of commonly deficient nutrient substances, and a work in progress. To fully explore this subject I highly recommend the works of Paul Pritchford and the reference texts of Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch. In addition, research is finding more and more specific and useful nutrient medicines each month. A Complementary and Integrative Medicine physician will keep up with this research and utilize these more effective products where applicable.

Vitamin B Complex: this is a common mix of some of the B vitamins and should always be taken with foods rich in B vitamins, such as dark, leafy green vegetables and whole grains; particular deficiencies may need a high quality short mega-dose of a particular B vitamin; B-complex has shown to help defective vision, and may be needed when the healthy flora and fauna of the intestines is poor; general periodic use may help with stress and nerve related problems. Recurrent apthous lesions in the mouth are often due to B deficiencies. B complex has proven effective in detoxification of such environmental pollutants such as cadmium by binding and increasing excretion. Taking of a B complex may not solve problems related to specific B vitamin deficiencies or utilization.
Vitamin C: some are acidic and may cause stomach upset; C is a necessary precursor for PGE1 production to control inflammation, and is a must for tissue repair; short term mega-dose may benefit a variety of conditions; I recommend AstraC formula, which combines 3 types of C with a few Chinese herbs to benefit the immune and tissue systems.
Vitamin E: a lipid or fat based vitamin, long shown to aid tissue repair, degenerative joints and many PMS/menstrual cramp syndromes. Its role preventing oxidative damage to lipids both helps to protect cells and to insure better hormonal health, since hormones are built from lipid cholesterols. Selenium enhances E uptake, and zinc may be needed for E to circulate in the blood. A short course of OptiZinc (zinc methionine), selenium, and Vitamin E is recommended. Vitamin E in the form of alpha-tocopherol is recommended.
Vitamins C, B1, B2, B6, folic acid, magnesium aspartate, & B12: these are commonly deficient in chronic muscle, or myofascial pain syndromes. B3 niacin may be needed with neurological pain and paresthesia. A short course of these nutrients may be very helpful.
Riboflavin B2: almost always mildly deficient unless you eat a good whole grain & organic vegetable diet. B2 deficiency is common in pregnancy, with patients taking oral contraceptives or antibiotics, and for those that exercise strenuously. B2 is necessary for red blood cell formation, antibody production, & cell respiration. B2 deficiency is linked to chronic inflammation in the stomach, esophagus & mouth, as well as other tissues, and symptoms include dry cracked lips, dandruff, mouth sores, poor digestion, skin inflammation, and dandruff. Insomnia, anxiety & dizziness are also signs of deficiency, since B2 is needed for the metabolism of tryptophan (serotonin precursor), which metabolizes into B3 niacin. Chronic tissue inflammation & nerve irritation, such as in carpal tunnel, has shown to benefit from taking B2 with B6. Riboflavin is found in a variety of whole grains, beans and fresh vegetables and garden herbs, such as wheat, oats, asparagus, thyme, celery, spinach, the chicories (endive, frisee, radicchio) & most beans. It is found in the Chinese herbs gouqizi, shanglu, zisuye, ginseng & juhua. A good source is dried barleygrass powder.
Pyroxidine B6, and P5P: deficient in 70% of the population and linked to a variety of common disorders, including myofascial pain, nerve pathologies, and autoimmune disorders; deficiency is shown to cause mouth aphthous lesions of a recurrent nature. Depression from hormonal imbalances (especially with contraceptive pills and hormone replacement) has been successfully treated with B6. This is linked to depletion of tryptophan (serotonin precursor) & methionine, and so temporary supplementation with tryptophan & SamE may help greatly along with B6. Dark skin spots (chloasma) caused by oral contraceptives were also cleared with B6 use. Tryptophan formation requires sufficient B6, and so B6 may help with serotonin deficiencies causing insomnia, depression, anxiety, GI disorders and systemic pain syndromes like fibromyalgia. B6 deficiency may show as dry flaking skin, headache, fatigue, dizziness, weak memory, depression, numbness and tingling, pain, or sometimes mouth or tongue inflammation, or brown spots around the mouth or face. P5P is the active metabolite of Vitamin B6.
Thiamin B1: deficient in 10% of the population and linked to inflammatory disorders, irregular heartbeat and emotional disorders. Deficiency is also associated with neuropathies & poor carb & protein metabolism, indigestion, poor stomach acid response, (needs Manganese to utilize i.e. nori seaweed).
B12 vitamins: commonly deficient and linked to a large number of diseases and disorders; B12 is often hard to obtain from the diet due to lack of a chemical called intrinsic factor that is secreted in the stomach, especially when there is trouble with stomach function, reflux, heartburn, etc. Taking of common medications to control stomach acidity may also inhibit intrinsic factor. In this case the body gets most of its B12 from the action of healthy bacteria in the intestines; hence clearing of digestive & elimination problems, and inflammation, and then using probiotics and colostrum supplements is recommended to restore B12 metbolism; dietary B12 is normally obtained from meats, fish, eggs, brewers yeast, bee pollen, and the Chinese herb dang gui (the only known plant source). B12 deficiency is common in anemia, nerve pathology, immune disorders and many other conditions. Early signs and symptoms may include reduced congnitive function such as problems with short term memory or difficulty with mental work, as well as fatique, constipation, and loss of appetite. More severe deficency may result in numbness and tingling to the hands and feet. Measurement of B12 deficiency in blood tests may not reveal the deficiency. Effective medicinal supplementation may only work well if an intramuscular B12 injection is obtained. Unfortunately, the medical doctors in the United States are taught to frown on this practice that is common in Europe and most of the world. B12 injectible supplements are sold over the counter in Latin America, but are not available in the United States. Here, we try to obtain B12 from a sublingual pill, hoping that it will absorb into the bloodstream. Studies have shown that taking a high dose sublingual B12 may be effective if done properly. Take 2 sublingual pills, crush them between two spoons, and place the powder under the tongue, waiting patiently until the powder dissolves. Better yet, take a liquid B12 sublingually.
Folic acid: deficient in a majority of the population and linked to a wide variety of disorders, especially anemia & nervous or anxious states with low energy. There are many types of anemia, so the type caused by nutritional deficiency (usually B12 & folic acid), termed pernicious, may or may not be your specific type of anemia. Anemia refers to low counts of red blood cells &/or hemoglobin (iron binding protein). Folic acid has also helped in the treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (aiding the enzyme that helps break down sorbitol accumulation in the tissues).
Calcium and magnesium: while calcium supplementation has been commonly recommended, calcium is the most highly regulated molecule in the body, is found in almost all cells, is abundant in most foods, and consequently, calcium metabolism is almost always the problem with calcium deficient pathologies, rather than lack of nutrient. I devote an entire article to this subject on the website, and encourage you to take the time to listen to a practical synopsis of calcium metabolism. Food sources of calcium that provide the healthiest and most assimilatable calcium include dark, leafy green vegetables, micro-algaes such as sprirulina, and seaweeds, since the backbone of chlorophyll is calcium and magnesium. Dairy products have not been shown to provide easily assimilatable calcium because of fatty encapsulation, but dairy products from cows or goats that actually graze on green leafy grasses do contain a more guaranteed level of calcium since they eat abundant chlorophyll. Calcium is always joined to another molecule to help assimilation, and these conjugated molecules are very important when deciding what you want your calcium to do in the body, and to guarantee a higher degree of absorption and assimilation. Calcium aspartate will help the calcium reach muscles to reduce spasms. Calcium gluconate and lactate are the most recommended forms to assimilate calcium, and concurrent intake of magnesium is recommended at about half the dose of the calcium. Zinc, copper, selenium, manganese, and other trace minerals can be taken concurrently to assure better calcium assimilation, but not in high dose. Taking a half teaspoon of quality sea salt with the calcium, or mineral rich herbs such as horsetail or red clover, will provide good trace minerals to aid assimilation. Excess zinc taken at the same time will inhibit absorption, so if a larger zinc dose is taken, it should be taken at another time of the day, with another meal. Iron supplements should also be taken at a different time of the day if consumed, for this same reason. Common multivitamin and multimineral supplements are not recommended for good calcium intake. Take the calcium supplement with foods rich in calcium, magnesium and chlorophyll to insure better assimilation and absorption, such as the dark, leafy greens, micro-algaes, and seaweeds mentioned, as well as whole grains and legumes. Some leafy greens and other foods may contain a chemical that inhibits absorption of calcium, called oxalic acid, though, such as chard, kale, rhubarb, cranberries, plums, almonds and cashews. Other leafy greens should be eaten with the calcium supplements, such as collards, mustard greens, dandelion greens, spinach, etc. Active Vitamin D3 hormone is essential to calcium assimilation, and exposure of the skin to midday sunshine, daily if possible, but at least 6 days a month, for just ten minutes, is recommended, even if Vitamin D3 cholecalciferol is consumed. Activation of Vitamin D3 or D2 hormone is absolutely necessary to calcium absorption, and without attention to this metabolism, the supplements may not be absorbed and assimilated. The amino acid L-lysine is also useful to insure calcium absorption, and may be taken concurrently, or you might take the calcium supplement with foods rich in lysine, such as watercress, soy, most beans, lentils, spinach and pumpkin seed, as well as many dark, leafy greens, such as bok choy, mustard greens, and parsley. Better calcium absorption will be achieved by taking smaller doses in the recommended manner above, twice a day to achieve the recommended 10-15 gram intake. Some calcium supplements use D1-calcium-phosphate in their products, but do not list it on the label, and this form is insoluble. Use the best quality supplements if you take them, not the cheapest. Calcium citrate is the usual form offered commercially, but often the citrate, or citric acid, bound to the calcium in these products makes up almost all of the dosage, and the actual calcium ingested could be very small. The FDA does not probibit this type of false advertising. The label should make clear the amount of elemental calcium, with a standard quality product containing at least 500mg. Calcium citrate is also acidic, and body acidity is often a problem in the patients with hormonal deficiencies and other calcium deficient pathologies. Calcium carbonate, preferrably in the form of natural coral calcium formula, reduces acidity, and is a good chelater of heavy mineral toxicity, but has proven inadequate for many types of calcium deficiency syndromes. Chinese herbalism has always utilized shell and fossilized bone, which contain calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, and calcium sulfate, as well as magnesium, phosphate, ferric oxide, and alum. These forms calm the nerves, reduce acidity, reduce night sweats, and soften tissue nodules and accumulations, but do not increase bone calcium as well as calcium gluconate and lactate. Currently, we now have calcium supplements with calcium hydroxyapatite, which is the form that deposits in the bone, and these are often combined with other supplements that help insure bioavailability. Osteoflavone complex from Vitamin Research is recommended. In addition, a number of calcium combination molecules are now available to achieve specific results with neurological problems, hypothalamus deficiency and other problems.
Lecithin and phosphatidylcholine: composed of choline, inositol and linoleic acid, lecithin is essential to the health of the brain and central nervous system; it is also a fat, or lipid, that is essential to every living cell in your body. This fatty molecule is an essential component of cell membranes and nerve sheaths, and has been shown to prevent atherosclerosis, aid repair of liver tissues, and aid absorption of B1 thiamine and Vitamin A. A healthy cholesterol metabolism and breakdown of old cholesterol into bile is also dependant on lecithin. While this nutrient is found in many foods, and deficiency is usually not an issue, supplementation with lecithin may be very beneficial. Niacin and lecithin have been proven effective in reducing high cholesterols and triglycerides. Lecithin comes in granules, capsules, and is included in many high protein nutrient powders. Most of these products contain soy lecithin, but supplements derived from egg yolks may be more beneficial. Food sources include brewer's yeast, healthy eggs, whole grains, legumes, fish and wheat germ. Phosphatidylcholine is a lipid component of lecithin that may be more absorbable and is proven effective in cholesterol reduction and enhancing cognitive ability. Phosphatidylcholine is often combined with DIM, or diindolylmethane, an active metabolite of indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which is used to decrease local estrogen stimulation that could be associated with breast and cervical cancer, and is tissue protective in minimizing inflammatory pathways.
Tryptophan and 5HTP: an essential amino acid that is a serotonin precursor as well as essential in the production of niacin B3. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and of the 20 common amino acids studied, 10 are essential (meaning that they must be primarily obtained from dietary sources). Methionine, lysine, tryptophan, arginine, leucine, phenylalanine, isoleucine, valine, and histidine are the 10 essential amino acids. Homocysteine may be converted into methionine & cysteine. Vitamin B2, or riboflavin, is needed for healthy tryptophan metabolism, as a cofactor in the conversion of tryptophan to niacin in the body. Nicacin is a Vitamin B3 that is necessary for healthy microcirculation and nervous system function. Niacin is also used in the production of stomach acids when needed, and in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, in the production of steroid hormones, as well as the healthy secretion of bile. Healthy levels of B2 and tryptophan insure a healthy niacin metabolism. 5-HTP is an extract from Griffonia seeds that is a precursor to tryptophan and can be taken without producing the sometimes strong effects of tryptophan supplements. Niacin supplementation will often produce an alarming flushing sensation, which has been proven harmless, but disturbs many patients. Taking 5-HTP and B2 is a more benign combination to improve tryptophan and niacin metabolism. This is potentially very helpful premenstrually to prevent menstrual migraines, along with L-arginine, which may stimulate increased nitric oxide, which is often deficient in the premenstrual phase with relative low progesterone.
Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, ubiquitone: this important molecule is found in every cell in the body and is often deficient. A variety of disease states have been shown to benefit from CoQ10, and it is widely prescribed in Japan. CoQ10 is essential for the electron transport chain, or energy, of the mitochondria in our cells, and is a potent antioxidant. A variety of medications lead to CoQ10 deficiency with chronic use, and a sudden switch to a meatless diet may also contribute to deficiency. Numerous studies have shown benefit when deficient in a variety or neurological disorders, including Parkinson's and seizure disorders, but it is also potentially helpful with migraines, cardiovascular problems, . Concurrent supplementation with L-tyrosine may increase CoQ10 binding. Excess of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) are associated with diabetes, atherosclerosis and neurodegeneration, and have been shown to impair mitochondrial respiration, especially with excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS). CoQ10 would potentially help this common condition.
Vitamin D3 cholecalciferol: D3 cholecalciferol was the first molecule to be identified as a vitamin, or coenzyme, but the researchers were mistaken. D3 is actually a prohormone, or hormone precursor. Originally, it was thought to have limited use in the body, promoting parathyroid hormone to regulate calcium absorption and bone deposition. We now know that D3 hormone, produced in the kidney, is important for many important cellular activities, and is widely prescribed, often in high dosage. A blood stick metabolite test can be performed to see if you are defcicient in D3, and up to 80% of specific populations have been shown to be deficient. Cholecalciferol is manufactured daily in the skin from health circulating cholesterol, and converted in the liver to an active metabolite that is transformed into at least 2 forms of hormone in the kidney. One form of D3 is now identified with the rate control of conversion of cartilage to bone, and deficiency is associated with degenerative cartilage conditions. High dose D3 is used in adjunct cancer therapy, and is perhaps useful in a variety of disorders, although we need to wait for clinical trials to see how effective supplmentation really is in many disorders. Poor quality Vitamin D is widely marketed, as are the wrong metabolites, so product quality and type is important if you want the right benefits to result. Another important consideration is the fact that D3 prohormone needs to convert to the active 1,25-OH-D3 in the kidney/adrenal glands to have the positive effects in the body. Poor kidney health, adrenal insufficiency, or other hormonal imbalance could have a significant effect on D3 utilization. One patient with a healthy kidney, adrenal and endocrine function may benefit much more than another with health problems from the prohormone cholecalciferol, or Vitamin D3, supplementation. Once again, attention holistically to your health may be the key to success with nutrient therapy.

Symptoms commonly caused by Vitamin deficiencies:

This is a short incomplete list of commonly seen nutrient deficiency symptoms. Refer to texts such as Prescription for Nutritional Healing by James and Phylis Balch M.D. and C.N.C, or Paul Pritchford's wonderful books to obtain more complet and comprehensive information.

dry cracked lips or inflamed tongue: B2 riboflavin, folic acid or Vitamin B6 deficiencies may all be suspect
fatique, apathy, insomnia, poor memory, inexplicable sense of fear or apprehension: folic acid deficiencies are common to the population and may cause these symptoms if the deficiency is marked; use of oral contraceptives or excessive alcohol intake may contribute to folic acid deficiency
insomnia with skin inflammation & mental confusion: B3 niacin & tryptophan (supplement with 5HTP) deficiency may be the cause; (note: niacin will often cause a flushing unless a non-flushing niacinamide is used; the flushing is strange but harmless)
depression with anemic lethargy and skin inflammation, or dry flaky skin: B6 pyroxidine. B6 deficiency is common to the population and may cause headache with nausea, depression with dizziness and irritability, oily facial skin with acne, or chronic tissue inflammation such as carpal tunnel syndrome
memory decline & difficult thinking with anemic lethargy: B12 cobalamin and folic acid deficiencies are routinely suspect

peripheral neuropathies: may try L-carnitine, choline & inositol, L-tyrosine, B1, Biotin, folic acid.

anemia: a differential diagnosis is essential, but common anemias may be benefited from intake of folic acid, biotin, Vitamin B6, and sublingual B12 (high dose, ground into a powder, and dissolved under the tongue). Since there are a number of different types of anemia, assessment by a professional with appropriate guidance will insure the best results with nutrient therapy. Iron deficient anemia may occur in more rare instances when there is significant blood loss, and the blood tests must show low serum ferritin and iron, with high serum total iron binding capacity, as well as low MCV and a low MCHC; mild iron deficiency anemia may benefit from supplementation with copper amino acid chelate with OptiZinc (not taken at the same time) if copper deficiency is suspect (do not take in excess). Since copper deficiency is common, especially in women, and will decrease iron absorption and assimilation, this deficiency is often the cause; Vitamin C has been shown to increase iron absorption and assimilation by 30% in a great percentage of patients. If iron deficiency is diagnosed or suspected, once again due to acute blood loss, take an absorbable form of iron, such as Floradix Iron, as standard iron supplements are difficult to absorb and easily cause constipation and other digestive problems. You should be able to replenish iron stores in the body quickly and without long term use of supplementation. Chronic use of iron supplements may contribute to iron accumulation in muscle tissue and contribute to chronic pain syndromes. It is best to assess the reasons for chronic iron deficiency if this occurs. Deficiency of vitamins B6, B12, C, copper, manganese, L-glycine, L-cysteine, and B complex may all cause poor iron absorption and assimilation. A number of health conditions can cause poor iron metabolism as well, and these should be assessed professionally with a thorough health history and exam.

migraine and cluster headache: research has found a variety of mechanisms that are dysfunctional and result in a cascade of events that lead to the migraine episode. A combination of Coenzyme Q10, riboflavin (Vitamin B2), pyroxidine (Vitamin B6, or the active metabolite P5P), and a quality magnesium, have been proven to correct a number of these physiological problems for a majority of patients, producing excellent reduction of migraines over a period of 3 months.

Information Resources

A list of nutritional deficiencies that may be caused by commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals is available on the Virginia Hopkins website: http://www.virginiahopkinstestkits.com/nutrientdepl.html
A 2010 study at the University of California at Davis found that rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere has resulted in dramatic decreases nutrient content of basic food plants, resulting in much lower usage of nitrates, and dramatic decreases in levels of protein, amino acids, and other key nutrients needed for health maintenance: http://www.news.ucdavis.edu/search/news_detail.lasso?id=9479

The information on this website is not intended to be used as a specific medical advice or cure. Please consult with the practitioner or an appropriate physician, such as a licensed acupuncturist, naturopath, or medical doctor, to discuss the proper application of the information contained on this website.