Quote:
Originally Posted by airyelle
I've been taking Standard Process supplements for 2 years. At first they seemed to help and now I'm not so sure. Instead of my chiro taking me down on the number of supplements I take, she has almost doubled what I take from two years ago and it is very pricey. I'm also online now trying to find reviews from users. Here is my daily dosage:
As soon as I wake up I take:
Multipro
Gastrex
Zymex
At breakfast I take:
3 Catalyn
3 A-F Betafood
1 Ligaplex
1 Ferrofood
At lunch:
1 Ferrofood
1 Gastrex
1 Ligaplex
At dinner:
1 Ferrofood
1 Gastrex
1 Ligaplex
At bedtime:
1 Ferrofood
1 Zymex
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I was curious about the contents of the substances you are taking, so I went to the Standard Process site.I realize that you are not taking maximum recommended doses of all of these, but here is what I found:
Multi Pro is a multiple vitamin. It contains a list of vitamin and minerals, including 10,000 units Vitamin A per capsule, with a recommended dose of two per day.
Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin, meaning it can be stored in fatty tissue. Since you are likely getting vitamin A from your diet, it is possible to get too much, and excess doses may have adverse effects on bone and the function of other vitamins. This product is very expensive. Your body does not care whether the vitamins and minerals you supply it come from food sources or are manufactured in a chemical plant. Most adults who eat a diet of varied sources get plenty of vitamins and minerals and do not need to take a multivite. If you choose to do so, a generic from a reputable chain is sufficient and very cheap. This product also contains iron. If you are male or a female who does not have menstrual periods, you do not need iron unless a true deficiency has been diagnosed, and the cause of the deficiency has been determined. Any woman who may be able to get pregnant --- whether she is planning to or not --- should take a prenatal vitamin with folic acid. This can help prevent certain brain and spinal cord defects in a developing fetus.
Gastrex is made from okra, bentonite (which is basically clay and can bind certain minerals, including iron), and pork liver, stomach, intestine and brain. It contains a little calcium, vitamin C and vitamin B. Suggested dose is two four times a day. it does not provide anything you would not get from one multivite once a day.
Zymex I contains beets, wheat germ, lactose, and Spanish moss. It really contains no nutritional value, and if dairy products give you gas and diarrhea, this might, too.
Zymex II contains almond, fig, papain (also used as a meat tenderizer), bromelain, amylase, lipase, and cellulose. Dose two twice a day. Amylase and lipase are digestive enzymes. Deficiencies are uncommon. If you have had an actual deficiency diagnosed, there are better sources, and you should check with your doctor. Most people make quite enough.
Catalyn is made from carrots, yeast, beef adrenal, liver, spleen and kidney, and sheep spleen. It contains more vitamin A (1200 units @ three per day = 3600 U), vitamins C, D, & thiamine. Again, contributes too much vitamin A, and the others do not need to be given in multiple small doses.
Beta Food is made from beets & carrots and contains beef liver, bone, spleen, and adrenal. pork stomach and intestine. It contains vitamin A (3000 U @ two per meal --- assume three times per day = 6 x 3000 = another 18000 U vitamin A per day). and vitamin B6. Now the vitamin A is getting to a scary level.
Ligaplex contains more Vitamin A (only 230U), Vitamins C, E, & B12, phosphorous, Magnesium.
Again, there is no reason to take small doses of vitamins & minerals many times a day.
Ferrofood provides vitamin C, B12, & iron. Unless you have a documented deficiency, you do not need to take iron. You only need B12 if you have a documented deficiency or never eat meat products.
The manufacturer has apparently found a novel way to use meat byproducts that sound suspiciously like the contents of pet food.
Most healthy adults do not need to use any of these products, and I certainly would not give them to children.
If you want to supplement vitamins and minerals --- and many of us do not always eat wisely, I know --- choose a generic multivitamin and take one per day.
Only take iron if you are deficient or a menstruating female. If you are iron deficient, find out why and treat the cause. If you do need iron, a little extra vitamin C helps with absorption, and therapeutic doses may cause constipation. A stool softener helps.
Supplementing vitamin D and calcium may be wise to keep bones strong. Three dairy servings a day may be enough, otherwise, two Tums a day for the calcium, get some sunshine for the vitamin D, and if you do not eat dairy products, consider getting a blood vitamin D level.
The neutraceutical industry is careful to make no claims that its products treat disease. But our GI tracts do not need to be "cleansed", our livers, spleens, and gallbladders do not need to be "supported", no supplement is going to do anything to the pH (acidity) of the GI tract. All these products do is make money for the people who make and sell them. These products are not providing anything you are not getting from a diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables. Modern frozen products are about as good as fresh --- if they are not soaked in salt and fatty sauces.
If you feel that your diet may be inadequate, consult a nutritionist. A single visit can help pinpoint changes you need to make, will likely cost less than a month's worth of "supplements", and may be covered by insurance if you have any health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
I use Sam's Club Member's Mark Mature Multi, which is about $12 for 400 --- over a year's worth. It has vitamin A 2500 U, a warning not to take more without consulting a doctor, and all of the vitamins and minerals in the supplements you are taking. I consume at least three dairy servings a day, so I do not take additional vitamin D or calcium. Cost is less than $1 per month.
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