In 2007, Americans spent about $34 Billion on Vitamins, Supplments and Herbs. But how do we know which ones work, which ones are useless and which ones are not good for us? Well, one of the best pieces of advice I can offer people is to know the difference between borrowed research and primary research. And select supplements that have primary research. Borrowed Science is research done of one thing, but then used to establish that another thing is would produce the same outcome because it has the original thing in it. Most supplement companies use this type of research as grounds for why their products are good for us. For
example, vitamin E has its individual research dictating its usage.
Vitamins B1 and B6 have their individual research. Putting these three
substances together into one formula brings up the question; How is
this formula going to effect the body? Or we know oranges are good for us and they are a good source of Vitamin C. When our product has Vitamin C and therefore is good for you too. The
research on an individual substance is given to the public stating that
in combination vitamins E, B1, B6 will produce a desired effect, when
in fact, unless specific Primary Research is done on the combination of nutrients the question remains: What is the effect? This is Borrowed Science. There is no scientific validation on the formula itself. |
|
|
The second term is Primary Research. It
is specific research on the very product that is being marketed,
scientific validation and independent studies that show that both the
company and the products are safe, trustworthy, and effective. The
distinction between these two terms is critical, often demonstrating
why a nutritional product works or not. One of the cool things about the nutrition we get from nature is there are synergistic elements in all whole foods that depend
on each other to produce functional foods, foods that produce specific
effects in the body's metabolism. How can nutritional products be
expected to work when a hodgepodge of nutrients and herbs are literally
thrown together into one capsule? Claims on each specific nutrient may
be valid, but together do they produce a known, healthy biological
effect, or are too many assumptions being made (borrowed science)? Who
knows? A product's effectiveness and safety are determined only if
there is scientific validation on the whole product. So look for supplemnets with Primary Research. And better yet, look for supplements that have clinical studies published in peer-reviewed scientific and medical journals. And for moms, if you are giving your child a multi-vitamin or other supplement, please look at the label. Make sure you never buy one that has colors, preservatives, or hydrogentated oils listed on the label. These are terrible things for children and should be avoided. It just amazes me that these companies will put that stuff in items that claim to be good for us! Also, more and more research is coming out on the dangers of over-supplmenting. So please take caution in the amounts and the supplements you take. Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing in the cases listed below. Examples of potential harm:
—Isolated, synthetic Vitamin
E can prolong bleeding time and has forced cancellation or delay of
cancer surgeries; some studies suggest it may raise the risk of certain
cancers.
—Vitamin A, may raise smokers' risk of developing lung cancer (Beta Carotene is safe).
—Folic acid supplements may raise the risk for precancerous growths in the colon.
—Vitamin C in large doses may help cancer cells resist chemo and radiation. So, let's get to work and feed our kids and ourselves good, wholesome food! Adults we need 7 to 13 servings of Fruits and Vegetables daily and our kids need about 5 to 7 minimum. Any athletes or stressed out people, then you need more. Check out your local health food store as you can't go wrong with most of the food they carry. Make a smoothie once a day with a variety of frozen fruit and veggies. Try to have at least two types of vegetables and two types of fruit with each meal. And make your snacks apples, organges carrots, celery, bell pepper slices, raisins, appleauce, etc. Feel like the kids won't try new things or eat anything other than mac'n cheese or chicken nuggets? Well, don't despair keep trying to get your kids to eat the right things. Don't give up after a few trys. Their tastes may change or it just may take some time for them to get used to the new food. Also, if we cut out some of the unhealthy snack items they are able to have during the day, they may be hungrier for the healthier food choices.
|