Overusing supplements can cause long-term damage

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have a friend whose husband consumes well over the recommended doses of liquid and tablet forms of mineral supplements. He purchases approximately $1,000 worth each month. It consists of liquid vitamins, liquid calcium, glucosamine pills, liquid minerals, tablets of Prost (a men-only supplement), selenium, OPC, Sweet Eze, and more from a mail-order supplier who is a veterinarian. He also takes liquid glucosamine, flaxseed tablets and cinnamon tablets.

He is adamant about keeping this daily regimen. He also is a Type 2 diabetic and has been for most of his adult life. He is an OCD personality and has become downright mean over the years.

Is it possible to suffer intoxication of some sort from all this overdosing on supplements? His doctor just shakes his head and doesn’t really address the issue with my friend, saying, “He’s going to do what he’s going to do, and there’s nothing I can do until he decides to question it.”

The doctor has put him on medication for cholesterol, and instead of taking it properly, he loads up two weeks before a checkup and then stops right after. I think this is a lame response, but it’s none of my business except that I am witnessing the breakdown of my friend’s health from all the stress and strain she undergoes daily.

There must be other elders who are doing similar things, thinking they are doing something good, but is it really?

DEAR READER: There are two types of vitamins: water-soluble and fat-soluble. Those in the first category, if taken in excess, typically cause little or no harm and pass out of the body through the urine and feces. Those in the second category, however, are stored in the body, and when excessive amounts are consumed, can cause serious, even potentially life-threatening consequences.

Minerals also carry the potential for serious or life-threatening side effects when consumed in high doses, especially when taken long term.

Unfortunately, your friend’s husband’s physician is absolutely correct that he cannot do anything about the situation. It is similar to trying to help an alcoholic or drug addict who doesn’t want help; you cannot force someone to change who isn’t ready. Also, as with the alcoholic or drug addict, bodily damage may be occurring, including mental and emotional changes.

It’s my belief this individual is unintentionally causing himself damage in his misguided attempt to be healthful. An otherwise healthy person can get most, if not all, of his or her vitamin and mineral requirements simply by eating a proper, balanced diet. Some supplements may be recommended for vegetarians, vegans, or those with certain food allergies or intolerances, such as those who are lactose-intolerant.

I urge your friend to seek counseling. Trying to deal with this situation on her own clearly isn’t causing a change in her husband and is resulting in deteriorating health on her end owing to stress. While she may love her husband, she cannot continue this way. She should take a step back and perhaps visit an out-of-town friend or family member for a few days. This would allow her to relax and think about where she wants to proceed from here.

Readers who are interested in learning more can order my Health Report “Vitamins and Minerals” by sending a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 U.S. check or money order to Dr. Peter Gott, P.O. Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title when writing, or print an order form from my website’s direct link: www.askdrgottmd.com/ order_form.pdf.

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have been successful in keeping my glucose levels down to a safe level by using chromium polynicotinate for about three years now, but I wonder if Plavix has any effect on the use of remedies that help reduce blood glucose level. Since being on Plavix, my levels have increased about 25 percent and have been hard to reduce.

I have also been using cinnamon (1,000 mg twice daily) recently, and for the first time, I’m down to 105 today. I enjoy your column.

DEAR READER: Chromium polynicotinate is a combination of chromium and vitamin B3 (nicotinic acid, niacin) that may prevent diabetes or delay the need for insulin. However, additional research is required before a determination can be made for patients with Type 1 diabetes.

Niacin has long been used for the treatment of high cholesterol. Plavix is commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots following heart attack, stroke and specific disorders of the heart. Cinnamon or cinnamon bark has been purported to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels in some individuals.

I must admit there are conflicting reports of whether Plavix affects blood sugar levels adversely. Therefore, I recommend you discuss your medications and supplements with your prescribing physician and be guided by what he or she feels is appropriate for you.