- Find Us
Top Slideshows
The Question
10/30/09
08:00 PM
"I feel like I should take a multi-vitamin. Should I take one marketed for diabetics or something else? Are the "special" ones for diabetics a ripoff?"
Asked By:
cdodge@faystonelementary.org
Category:
Food and Nutrition
Background Info Hide
n/a
Expert Answers (1)
11/02/09
06:18 PM
Hi and thanks for writing dLife. You have a good question because it is true that there is a lot of marketing that goes into promoting vitamins- especially to those with specific medical concerns. But remember, supplements are just that- they are to supplement a nutritious and well balanced diet, and not to take the place of healthful food choices. Generally a basic multivitamin/mineral daily supplement is a very good way to go. However, depending on your age and other health issues, there may be specific concerns to review with your doctor and registered dietitian. These include iron - if you are a man or a post menopausal woman, too much iron in your diet may be detrimental and contribute to a condition called hemochromatosis. Also, it is now known that vitamin D deficiency is more common than once thought, so after testing, you doctor may want you to take extra vitamin D in the form of a supplement. If you do not eat many foods that are high in calcium, a supplement may also be important. And additionally, if you are taking any medications for diabetes or other conditions, this may also influence the types/amounts of vitamins and/or minerals that would be right for you. For the best answer regarding supplementation needs, check with your personal physician and registered dietitian. Remember, good food choices should be the first source of nutrition, but there are often needs for additional supplementation. Get your answers from your medical team, not a vitamin salesperson. Best of luck to you!
Answered By:
Janice Baker
Accreditations: B.Sc., MBA, RD, CDE, CNSC
Sources Show
(1 Answer)
Community Answers (2)
11/10/09
03:42 PM
The first community answer sounds like a blatent advertisment for a pill pushing, snake oil, "nutrition" company and is totally inappropriate in this forum.
As type 1 for 30 years my advice is to eat a balanced diet, listen to your doctor and save your money for your grandkids.
Keep well, keep sane and keep your money to yourself. The answer isnt in mail order.
Cheers R
Answered By:
richardarkle
FLAG
SourcesShow
11/06/09
11:33 AM
I think the Expert's answer here is pretty vaque and doesn't address your specific question so I will try to help you a little more. Specially formulated vitamns for Diabetics have a real advantage over "general market" vitamins in that they contain nutrients that other formulations do not, or sometimes higher levels of important nutrients compared to "general market" formulations. Chromium and Vanadium for instance have been shown to improve glucose function. MOst other vitamins don't have Vanadium and low levels of Chromium. Alpha Lipoic Acid which slows the progression of kidney damage is really important and isn't found in all vitamins. I found a very helpful website www.diabeticproducts.com. Click on Multibetic and on the bottom of the page it tells you what certain nutrients do for those with diabetes. Also, there is a place to click on a chart which shows you the levels of vitamins and minerals found in different brands of vitamins - some made specially for those with diabetes (and not only their own diabetic vitamin brand) and also compare that with the most popular general market brands. You can actually see a huge difference, and this is not hype. Its facts that you can confirm right on each package. So while the 'diabetic' vitamins are more money, you will see why. They contain more ingredients and higher potency of the vitamin and minerals you buy a multivitamin for.
Answered By:
hunterross
FLAG
SourcesShow
(2 Answers)
Most Recent Food and Nutrition Questions:
*** All information contained on dLife.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our Expert Q&A is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.
Sign up for FREE dLife Newsletters
dLife Membership is FREE! Get exclusive access, free recipes, newsletters, savings, and much more!
Congratulations!
You are subscribed!
You are subscribed!
Congratulations!
You are subscribed!
You are subscribed!
Congratulations!
You are subscribed!
You are subscribed!
Browse Questions by Category
- All Categories (6929)
- Blood Glucose Monitoring (1328)
- Children's Issues (212)
- Coping And Emotional Issues (351)
- Exercise (286)
- Food and Nutrition (1477)
- Gestational Diabetes (83)
- Heart Disease and Diabetes (192)
- Insulin (771)
- Insurance and Financial Issues (121)
- Kidney Disease (168)
- Men's Issues (117)
- Neuropathy (284)
- Newly Diagnosed (471)
- Oral Medications (582)
- Prediabetes (255)
- Pumping Issues (117)
- Sexual Issues (78)
- Type 1 (829)
- Type 2 (1828)
- Vision (97)
- Weight Issues (467)
- Women's Issues (234)
- Other (1421)
dLife Weekly Poll
Has diabetes made it difficult to get/renew a driver's license?
-
-
From Our Sponsor -
-
From Our Sponsor -
From Our Sponsor
More Diabetes Information
More dLife Information
Copyright © 2012 LifeMed Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
