Your Nutrition Questions Answered (cont.)
Dr. Allan Spreen answers your nutrition and supplement questions:
Q: What is vanadium? What is the recommended daily dosage, and what is considered toxic? What is its value? Why supplement an additional 250 mcg a day?
A: Vanadium is a trace element and also a micromineral (a mineral needed in very tiny amounts) for human nutrition.
Though it currently has no established amount needed for human nutrition, studies are consistent suggesting its role in helping with proper glucose metabolism in humans (and animals).
The substance is usually given in a salt form of vanadium called vanadyl sulfate and, like chromium, it apparently augments the effects of insulin, which the body uses to pull glucose out of the bloodstream and into cells.
It doesn't take much; usual doses range from 3 to 25 milligrams/day of vanadyl sulfate (there is no RDA or Recommended Daily Allowance). There are studies done using 100 milligrams/day, but this is excessive.
Some researchers feel the upper limit is 25 milligrams/day, and I see no need to go even that high. Two-hundred fifty micrograms (250)— that's 1/4 of 1 milligram — is a bit low for demonstrable effect, in my opinion, and may be included in a product more to have it on the label than anything else, but that's purely conjecture. Check with your doc.
Good Health,
Allan Spreen, M.D.
Q: My husband is 30 years old and has been a diabetic for 23 years. He has taken an interest in a nutritional supplement called Reliv. He has been taking it for a couple of weeks and says he feels pretty good. This company also makes a supplement for children. Our 2-year-old is a very finicky eater and we were interested in providing him with a supplement. What do you know about this product and its maker?
A: Reliv is a proprietary blend of nutrients from non-animal sources, predominantly soy. I have not used the product myself but have heard many anecdotal reports from fellow doctors, patients and body builders concerning their perceived success with it.
The product is nutrient-dense as a food supplement and probably well-absorbed. I am not a big fan of soy so I do not use it, but that's just me.
Good Health,
Allan Spreen, M.D.
Q: What are the side effects of iron?
A: That depends on the iron. Most iron supplements are 'inorganic', such as ferrous sulfate, which is not easily absorbed and can cause symptoms such as abdominal cramping, diarrhea, dark tarry stools, etc.
Iron is very important to human nutrition and health, but too much and in the wrong form it can be a double-edged sword. There is now impressive research showing a link between too much iron and heart disease, along with possible liver damage, blood sugar problems and other problems.
I use organic iron, such as that found in liver (and dessicated liver tablets), since the molecule is already 'encased' in a heme ring structure as it is in humans. For that reason I avoid supplements using 100% RDA amounts of iron unless the person knows from his lab work that he needs it and his doctor has prescribed it.
For many people that amount is too high and the form is inorganic. However, ask your doctor, as your situation may be different.
Good Health,
Allan Spreen, M.D.
