IS VITAMIN THERAPY SIMPLY EXPENSIVE URINE?

By Dr. Margaret Beeson

Q.  My health care provider made a statement about vitamins being expensive urine. 

 What is your opinion on this? J.T. Miles City, MT.

A.  Often people are told that there is no benefit to taking vitamins, that it just creates

expensive urine.  It’s true that B vitamins make the urine varying shades of yellow and that’s because they have

passed through the digestive tract into the liver where they have been

utilized in many important metabolic functions.  B vitamins are coenzymes in the body--

meaning that many vital reactions are dependent on the consistent supply of the B vitamins; thiamine (B1),

riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), hydroxycobalamine (B12), and folic acid.  Let’s examine just a few.

The need for folic acid in early pregnancy is widely recognized in the prevention of spina bifida,

a birth defect.  It is also pretty well accepted that elevated homocysteine levels are associated with the increased

 risk of heart disease. Now recent studies also indicate a link between high homocysteine and hip fracture in the

elderly.  Serum homocysteine elevations are directly

related to B12, folic acid and/or B6 vitamin deficiency.  B12, B6 and folic acid are all essential,

for the production of SAM-e and the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters

are important substances in the nervous system that control mood

and a sense of well-being. Decades of research have shown a direct relationship between folic

acid levels and colon, breast and cervical cancers. Now ovarian cancer can be added to this impressive list of cancers

protected against by high folate intake, particularly in alcohol

consuming adults.

B6 can be effective in carpal tunnel and premenstrual syndromes, and its deficiency has long

been associated with cradle cap, a rash in infants. The B vitamins are water-soluble and largely non- toxic.  However,

there is concern over B6 in doses over 250mg/day.

The fat-soluble vitamins, A and D need to be used with caution but these are also often deficient in skin and eye disorders

and osteoporosis.  Some individuals are inefficient at making vitamin A from the beta-carotenes.  This is more common

 in individuals with hypothyroidism and often

runs in families.  Chronic muscle pain can be due to Vitamin D deficiency and this is an easy vitamin to measure in

any laboratory. Vitamin D deficiency is more common with excessive use of sunscreens and decreased outside activity.

Vitamins C, E and the minerals, magnesium, and selenium are just a few of the nutrients that

act as antioxidants by providing the necessary ingredients for the liver to make glutathione peroxidase, superoxide

dismutase and hydrogen peroxide. These are some of the chemicals made in the liver that protect our cells by

detoxifying substances that we eat, breathe and make internally to carry out our metabolic functions.

Chromium is often deficient in refined food, such as bread and cereal products, but is an

important mineral in our bodies’ utilization of the starches found in these very foods. 

 Chromium is especially necessary for folks who have insulin resistance and diabetes.

Vitamins and minerals can be used as nutrients, as in a simple multivitamin and mineral supplement or therapeutically,

often in high doses to treat a specific problem or condition.  When used in this manner it is important to seek the

 advice of professionals who have been specifically trained in the proper use of these valuable tools and are able

to monitor their safety and efficacy.  The effectiveness of a supplement is dependent on the quality of its ingredients. 

The National Nutritional Foods Association (NNFA) Good

Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Certification Program verifies compliance of member suppliers

of dietary supplements with a standardized set of good manufacturing practices developed by

 the NNFA.  The GMP program ensures that all elements of the manufacturing processes are reviewed to provide reasonable

assurance that all processes are sufficiently controlled so that products meet their purported quality and purity.  Ask for

products that carry the GMP certification and be assured that research supports the use of supplements for enhancing the

 quality of your health.

Yellowstone Naturopathic Clinic
720 N. 30th St.
Billings, MT 59101
PHONE 406·259·5096/FAX 406·248·5655

ync@180com.net

Dispensary
406·254·9682

dispensary@yncnaturally.com