I am reading Dr,Furman’s book,FAST FOOD GENOCIDE (it is a fabulous book),and he warns that Vitamin A supplements of 4500IU increases the risk of hip fracture and osteoporosis.I noticed the supplement I take has 5000 IU’s. He also says there is a higher mortality rate in this same supplementation.Vitamin E also increases the death rate.
Could you comment on his recommendation to NOT supplement these as well as the following:
Folic acid/Beta-carotene/Copper
I was shocked to find out that we should take FOLATE and not folic acid.
Thanks!
Better Together
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Research results can be so tricky and misleading, and almost always require further investigation. For example, Vitamin E studies have largely focused on a particular form of vitamin E (there are four) in isolation, which is rarely how it is found in foods. When taking Vitamin E it is best to take what is more commonly found naturally as “mixed tocopherols”, in conjunction with vitamin C. And folic acid, which is the synthetic form of folate, is actually better absorbed in supplement form as it does not require as much work for the body to break down.
Vitamin A has been found in research to be potentially toxic at very high doses for specific populations only– smokers or those who regularly consumed large amounts of polar bear liver, which we are probably not getting much of these days. So it is confusing to hear blanket statements that a vitamin is toxic. We really have to do a bit more digging to find out more specifics about the research: context, population, and form of the studied substance.
Although most vitamins are safe and non-toxic even at high doses for healthy people, it is ideal to get most of your vitamins and minerals from eating a plant-based, colorful, vegetable and fruit rich diet from organic sources as much as possible. Nature is not meant to be isolated, which is why multivitamins contain a wide range of vitamins and minerals, as they work best synergistically, like they occur in foods. This is true of many of those you asked about above including beta-carotene (a form of vitamin A) and copper.
Hope that clears things up more than muddies the water! Best! – Coach Zoe
I agree with Dr. Furman’s opinion that folate is probably better for most people than folic acid. I’ve been told that folic acid binds to folate receptors and keeps out some of the good folate. (For a better explanation, google Dr. Ben Lynch.) I notice that Dr. Amen’s BrainMD vitamins use folate.
Yes,in the book Dr.Furhman also says that folate is preferred for pregnant women (get the book and read why),and that folic acid is usually the one given by doctors.
Coach Zoe, I didn’t know that Vit.E should be taken with Vit.C. Thanks for that info.I am confused,though,about folic acid.Dr.Amen has folate in his vitamins but you said folic acid is better absorbed. Please read what Dr.Furhman says about folic acid and let us know your reaction.Since I have read folate is better and I was given folate by a local integrative MD,I am going with that recommendation.Thanks for the additional info,Sally!
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Yes, I should have further explained that methylfolate, found in our supplements, is the ultimate form of a folate supplement and is better absorbed than either folate or folic acid. – Coach Zoe
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Methylfolate is the body’s most common natural active folate and is immediately available for use by the body.
Yes, and Dr. Ben Lynch says that we may be able to get enought methylfolate by eating enough leafy greens, every day. I think he recommended a cup and a half. But, there are other forms of folate, too, aren’t there? Some people do better with another kind, or a mix of them?
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Yes, dark leafy greens are one of the best sources of folate. Other sources include beets, lentils, beans, and chickpeas. We all do best if we can get a variety of foods, especially vegetables. Each offer a slightly different nutrient and antioxidant profile. I aim for 3-5 different colors at every meal. It’s a fun way to make your plate beautiful as well as delicious. 🙂
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