By: Susan Cohen, R.Ph.

Q: I know you think everyone should take vitamins, but I don’t feel any better on them. Should I keep taking them?

A: Do you wait for your car to break down before you change the oil or give it a tune up? Vitamins are not a quick fix. They work on a deeper cellular level to bring balance into enzyme systems that contribute to wellness in the long run. Its not just vitamins, other natural substances have made it into the medical mainstream.

Oncologists who are on the ball know that the amino acid L- Carnitine can help fight fatigue cause by chemotherapy. Viapocetine, an herb similar to ginkgo, might help some people with the nerve- racking disorder tinnitus, a condition where you hear constant buzzing in there ears. Folic acid and vitamin E improves outlooks for people with heart disease. Indole 3- carbinol reduces risk for breast cancer. Vitamin A supports the thyroid. Zinc helps the prostate. The B vitamins and tyrosine are needed in depression. Potassium is needed for the heart, Calcium and D for the bones, vitamin C for the skin, and evey thing for the immune system.

The body doesn’t make nutrients for the fun of it. They are essential for life because they are required for every single chemical reaction in the body. When we run out of specific nutrients, we get sick, period. But if you cant commit to taking a high- potency quality product, then don’t bother taking vitamins at all. The cheaper brands don’t provide vitamins in a form that’s enabling to the body. Or worse, they clog up your pipes or contribute to kidney stones. Some fillers and binders are a problem as well. So don’t compromise quality just for the sake of taking something. Look for pharmaceutical grade vitamins that are manufactured in labs that are FDA regulated, just like drugs. Good brands don’t mind providing certificates of authentication purity or potency upon a consumer’s request.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

***BeautynHealth.com provides the above amino acids, vitamins and antioxidants produced by FTH and Montiff Nutraceutical companies and Coral Inc. FTH L Tryptophan has been shown to be helpful for inducing sleep and relaxation. The purity of these brands greatly surpasses the minimum requirements for USP (United States Pharmacopeia), JP (Japanese Pharmacopeia) and EP (European Pharmacopeia).