We live in an Age where the most comprehensive information is only a few keystrokes away. This results in many people trawling the internet looking for ‘cures’ for anything from hair loss to heart attacks. And for every ailment there seems to be a website advertising a ‘solution’.
In my area of expertise I frequently see clients who appear to spend most their day swallowing multivitamins, aminos, naturopathic/homeopathic mixtures or Asian ‘medicinal’ concoctions. I am categorically NOT saying there is anything wrong with taking prescribed natural medicines or multivitamins to address nutrient deficiency BUT too many people seeking answers to perceived health complaints adopt the ‘more is better’ attitude to the taking of natural supplements.
Two popular products purchased from radio advertising – Nature B and Arcon Tisane - are typical examples. BOTH are essentially Vitamin B complex supplements; Arcon Tisane also contains the herb ‘Fenugeek’. For what they are – they are both quite expensive; Arcon Tisane is around $60 per box of 30 capsules (or $200 for a couple of months supply). Nature B is currently advertising a ‘special price’ of $99 for six months supply (with free soap thrown in!)
Fenugeek (Trigonella f-g) is a traditional herbal treatment taken for ‘hair health’ – as well as numerous other ailments. The US National Institutes for Health (NHI) state:
- A few small studies have found that fenugreek may help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
- There is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of fenugreek for any other health condition.
- Possible side effects of fenugreek when taken by mouth include gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Fenugreek can cause irritation when applied to the skin.
- Given its historical use for inducing childbirth, women should use caution when taking fenugreek during pregnancy.
Fenugeek is known to interfere with iron absorption and thyroid medication. Iron is considered the most important nutrient because it ‘switches-on’ most body systems; I consider iron deficiency the most common reason for hair loss in pre-menopausal females. Health guidelines also urge ‘caution’ with prescribing Fenugeek to ‘atopic’ individuals – particularly those with severe asthma or allergies.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) contains the element Cobalt. Cobalt antagonises the absorption of Magnesium (Mg) when Cobalt is ingested in excessive amounts or for prolonged periods of tiime. Any resulting deficiency of Mg may cause cardiac arrythmias (+ sudden death from heart attack) – particularly in the elderly or those with weakened/damaged hearts (Watts:1995). Folic acid also increases the body’s metabolic need for Mg.
It is not uncommon to see clients taking up to three different brands of Vitamin B complex – resulting in substantially elevated B12 and Folic Acid levels when tested. One elderly female patient (83 years) I recently saw was taking BOTH Arcan Tisane and Nature B – because they were being advertised on her favorite radio stations. Her B12 levels were >1900pmol/L (range 180-740 pmol/L); she was exhibiting symptoms of B12 toxicity such as sore tongue + mouth, tingling fingers, muscle weakness + GIT upset.
Excessive Folic Acid ingestion resulting in elevated nutrient levels may cause diffuse hair loss (Rushton et al).
Vitamins, minerals + amino acids are maintained in balance within our body. When any nutrient is excessively ingested for prolonged periods this upsets that balance – and could ultimately be the cause of ill-health.
Again – I am NOT saying these or other advertised supplements are inherently dangerous when taken for nutritional deficiency for short periods of time. However I strongly suggest the following steps:
- If you are excessively tired, unwell or losing scalp hair – see an experienced Practitioner to have these symptoms correctly assessed.
- Always have a pathology ‘baseline’ taken (blood test) to assess what your deficiencies are (if any) BEFORE taking nutritional supplements. Results are NOT always as they appear + may be indicating another internal disturbance. If you do not undertake a preliminary blood test to establish baseline levels – you are just GUESSING that you may be deficient.
- Once a baseline is established – supplement for three months + then re-test levels. It is my opinion these companies are too cavalier in their sales approach + should NOT be offering ‘specials’ on six or twelve months supply – particularly to the elderly.
- Packaging should also advise of potential side affects or health risk when Vitamin B-complex or other supplemnts are taken for prolonged periods of time.