How to take supplements!

[Dr. Jay]

I've started this thread to help explain the logic and reasoning behind supplementation and how best to work it out in "real life!" If you have questions about this issue. I will take time to respond as I can in this forum.

Thanks,

J

[bhg]

Hi Dr. J,

I am posting here as you requested.

I purchased some of the supplements that were suggested for me by BBBM. I am wondering if there are certain times of day or certain ways to combine my supplements that I should keep in mind. Also, do you have any alternative suggestions to swallowing the tablets (especially the huge ones)?! (Can they be dissolved or ground in a coffee grinder?)

Here are the ones I have:
1. Multi-Vitamin
2. Adrenal Glandulars
3. Buffered Vitamin C
4. Calcium
5. Digestive Enzymes (Before meals, I am *#*#*#uming?!)
6. Fish Oil
7. Magnesium Malate (You mentioned bedtime for this one.)
8. Probiotics (Between meals, not with food, right?)
9. Psyllium Fiber Capsules

Thank you for your time!

[Dr. Jay]

The most important thing to remember is that you have to be consistent with your suppplementation program to know if it is really working. I recommend that my patients take all their regular vitamin and mineral treatment with meals unless specifically told otherwise (Magnesium is better taken at bedtime for many people because it helps with sleep induction). I'll go through your list one-by-one and you can let me know if it makes sense.

1. Multi-Vitamin - These tend to cause nausea in some people and are almost always best taken with food of some sort. I think taking just a capsule or tablet with each meal and increasing to maximum dose is a good idea.


2. Adrenal Glandulars - These are better taken at breakfast and lunch because they can be stimulating. Later in the day they may keep you up at night. Back off if you feel edgy or nauseous.


3. Buffered Vitamin C - Always with a little juice


4. Calcium - Can be constipating. The latest data suggest that a lower dose is probably OK if magnesium treatment is also being given. I think you could take 600 mg. daily with food and get the benefits you're looking for......


5. Digestive Enzymes (Before meals, I am *#*#*#uming?!) Actually I like the enzymes right in the middle of meals as if they were within the foods that you are eating. Every natural food has enzymes in the "raw" state if uncooked. Cooking breaks down enzymes and can leave foods difficult to digest.


6. Fish Oil - with food unless you want to burp!


7. Magnesium Malate (You mentioned bedtime for this one.) - correct until you get up to 3 or 4 then you may want to take a dose or two in the A.M.


8. Probiotics (Between meals, not with food, right?) - ideally between meals but can have significant benefit even when taken with meals.


9. Psyllium Fiber Capsules - -If you want to lose weight it's a great way to feel full before a meal. If you already are at your ideal weight you'd do well to take it between meals so you don't lose calories that you need because you're "full of fiber!"

Supplements are really just replacing the nutrients that food should have in it. Because we eat and the nutrients in our food are ushered into our systems by the digestive system at that time it just makes sense to take most of our supplements with food. Medications are different and should be taken exactly according to the prescribing rules.

Thanks for asking and have a great week!

BLessings,

J