Some Supplements Found to Exceed Safe Levels of Vitamin B
This is an important news release in that it brings to light a whole plethora of issues and concerns. First, the recommended dosages of many nutrients is ridiculously low. So the fact that certain vitamins exceed the RDA is hardly cause for concern in my book. Second, there are many cases where high doses of certain B vitamins are essential for a patient. Consider for example that about 25% of the population has a sluggish methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) system. These patients will require high dosages of folic acid to drive the enzyme and perform essential functions such as protecting against cancer and helping proper cell division. The RDA can’t come close to touching what these people need. I will frequently use a B12 supplement with 2000 mcg (RDA is a measly 6 mcg) in my seniors to override poor absorption. The news release does mention that high doses of B vitamins should be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional, and I do strongly agree with this; however, few physicians have the background to give good recommendations. If your doctor seems unsure, find someone who is sure–don’t take nutritional advice from a physician who does not understand it.
News Release: Some vitamin B supplements may contain more than the recommended amount of the nutrients, according to a new report. ConsumerLab.com, a commercial testing company in White Plains, New York, conducted the study. “Consumers should be aware that more than 40% of the products that we evaluated exceeded levels at which they are known to be safely tolerated — some having more than 10 times the upper limit,” said Dr. Tod Cooperman, ConsumerLab.com’s president, in a prepared statement from the company. ConsumerLab.com tested 21 B vitamin supplement products. Some contained a single dose of a particular B vitamin while others included several. Nine of the 21 products exceeded established Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs) for adults — “above which there is increased risk for side effects with regular use,” according to the report. The report notes that three of the niacin-only products exceeded the UL for niacin, as did six of the seven B complex products. The UL for niacin is 35 mg, while these products recommended daily doses ranging from 400 mg to 510 mg. “There may be good medical reasons for exceeding these levels, but there may also be significant side effects,” Dr. Cooperman pointed out, and he advised people wanting to use high doses of B vitamins to consult with a healthcare professional.” Vitamin B dietary supplements are becoming increasingly popular due to last year’s decision by the US Food and Drug Administration to allow manufacturers to tout recent findings about the ability of B vitamins to reduce vascular disease risk.