Fw: [TherapeuticNutrition] Ratios in the Supplementation of B-vitamins

[Guest guest]

Hi Lynda,

Thought this might be helpful in balancing your supplements.

Rose

 

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gardenplanet

TherapeuticNutrition

Saturday, April 12, 2003 9:39 AM

[TherapeuticNutrition] Ratios in the Supplementation of B-vitamins

 

 

Lecture summary

Dr. M. DuRant

Universidad de Toulousse

 

Nutrition ratios can be awfully confusing. Much of it comes down to advanced

biochemistry and very few people, including physicians I might add, have even a

basic working knowledge of biochemistry. It gets even more confusing when we try

to figure out the intricacies of individual biochemistry.

One thing that's usually overlooked is the ratio of B vitamins. Yet the

importance of these ratios in health and disease cannot be overemphasised.

 

The ratio of B vitamins that are evenly distributed in healthy human tissues

have been carefully studied, and can be a valuable guide for practitioners in

the absense of further evidence.

 

Equal amounts thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid, pyridoxine; i.e. 5 mg

20 times as much pantothenic acid, niacin, PABA, TMG (trimethylglycine), and

thiotic acid; i.e. 100 mg

500 times as much L-carnitine, inositol, and choline; i.e. 2.5 grams

The amount of biotin and cobalamins should be approximately equal, but an

individual's requirements vary a great deal. Neurologists have agreed that the

current normal range in blood tests should be raised, however the international

conference has yet to agree on an acceptable level. Many insist that only

cerebralspinal fluid levels are accurate, while others argue that the more

invasive procedure would be unacceptable to the patient. At present it might be

prudent to obtain SBT assay, and, where supplementation is necessary, to provide

comparable amounts of biotin.

 

Obviously there aren't commercial B-complex pills that provide these

proportions. But with a little effort you can make your own formula or have it

custom made by a compounding pharmacy.

 

*All of the B vitamins are interdependent. Deficiencies of a single B vitamin

don't occur in nature and can only be produced in a lab. A deficiency disease

such as pellagra indicates the shortage of niacin predominates over the others,

not that other deficiencies aren't present.

*The much higher amounts of carnitine, inositol, and choline are because they

are used as structural components in the body rather than only enzymes and

co-factors.

*Most B vitamins have a strong yellow color. Many people experience stomach

upset and bright urine when taking B vitamins, especially riboflavin, and assume

since they aren't being absorbed, they aren't needed. The opposite is true. Your

body needs to produce specific enzymes in order to utilize B vitamins. When they

aren't supplied in the diet over a period of time, the body stops producing

those enzymes. Only consistent oral supplementation will stimulate the normal

production of those enzymes. It can take a long time, often more than a year if

the deficiency has been severe.

*Just as iron and tocopherol supplements should not be taken at the same time,

doses of thiotic acid and biotin should be seperated by a period of 8-12 hours.

*The liver damage that was reported from taking high doses of niacin appear to

be due to depletion of methyl donors. Niacin has many health benefits but should

always be taken with TMG. Likewise, the " allergic " reactions reported to be

caused by PABA appear to be caused by depletion of pantothenic acid. Remember,

an excess of one B vitamin increases the need for others.

*The sale of folic acid is restricted in some countries. However, because it's

proven so helpful in HIV related neuropathies, some companies will sell 5mg or

20mg capsules without a prescription. Make certain B-12 is generously supplied

before taking the higher doses of folate.

*Supplements should be given IM (in small amounts) or IV (in larger amounts)

when achlorhydria is present.

*Drinking excessive amounts of water can create artificial deficiencies of B

vitamins. A high protein diet increases the need for B vitamins. Anyone with a

medical condition that requires diuretics, a high protein diet or lots of water

should check and double their B-vitamin intake.

*Symptoms of deficiencies you can check for simply by looking in the mirror are:

chapped, peeling lips; bloodshot eyes; fluid filled bags under the eye; visible

red capillaries around the nose or cheeks; dandruff; atrophy of the upper lip;

rash around the genitals; thinning hair; receding gums; and almost any tongue

abnormality. These are so common that they're generally seen as " normal " signs

of aging. In fact the ability to utilize B vitamins decreases steadily as we

age.

*Make every effort to include natural sources of B vitamins in the diet. There

are likely many that haven't been identified yet, so eating a large variety of

whole, organic foods may potentiate the use of supplements.

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 20/4/03 12:04:48 am, redwineredroses writes:

 

 

> At present it might be prudent to obtain SBT assay, and, where

> supplementation is necessary, to provide comparable amounts of biotin.

>

 

Can you tell me what an SBT assay is? Also, would it be safer to just eat

lots of foods with B vits along with a good digestive enzyme if you aren't

able or sure how to supplement?

 

I felt over-awed and incapable of getting this right after reading the

summary here. And my B-vits are nowhere near these ratios, I don't even

have DMG/TMG....

 

marti