Choose right vitamin supplement
Dear Dr. Donohue: Howdo I determine which vitamin supplement is best? I have read that septic systems are clogged with vitamin tablets that never got absorbed. How real is this? — C.D.
Answer: It’s a bit overblown.
Absorbability is important in a vitamin (or any medicine). Look on the label for “USP.” “USP” stands for United States Pharmacopoeia, an independent testing organization. If the USP seal is there, the vitamin has met its standards for strength, purity, disintegration and absorbability.
On well-known brands of vitamins, you will not see the USP label. Those manufacturers feel that their reputation guarantees that their vitamins are of the stated strength and are absorbed.
If you want to run your own test, put a vitamin in a glass and add just enough vinegar to cover it. In an hour, the vinegar should be cloudy or the pill should have fallen to pieces. Admittedly, this is not the most sophisticated and reliable test, but it gives you a rough estimate of disintegration and absorbability.
For your use, choose the cheapest multivitamin with the above characteristics and choose one that contains close to the recommended daily allowances for all vitamins.
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Dear Dr. Donohue: I had a heart attack 10 years ago and then bypass surgery. Now, after a heart catheterization, the doctor showed me that my bypass is blocked. He dismissed me without further treatment after a stress test. I have talked to knowledgeable people, including one doctor, who says this is impossible. Do I need further treatment? — E.D.
Answer: Bypass grafts do block up in some people. Your doctor owes you the courtesy of clearing up the issue of further treatment — unblocking the blocked artery with angioplasty or undergoing a second bypass.
It could be that your heart has sprouted new blood vessels that have taken over for the blocked vessel. Perhaps your stress test showed your heart gets enough blood when you are working at your maximum.
Even if you have no symptoms and even if your stress test is normal, demand an explanation from the doctor.