| Research has suggested that temporary and even permanent damage can be caused by overdosing on b vitamins. People at risk of developing kidney stones should avoid large doses of vitamin C (see sections on individual vitamins for cautions).
Interactions between different nutrients are very complex. Minerals work in critical ratios to one another. Too high an intake of one mineral may result in a deficiency of another so minerals should be taken in one-to-one RDA ratios. |
James Trefil, Joseph F. Kett, and E. D. Hirsch
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 One of the b vitamins, found in many plant and animal foods, especially wheat germ. It is needed by the body for metabolism and for proper functioning of the nervous system. Also called vitamin B,. thorax (thawr-aks) The part of the body between the neck and diaphragm; the chest. thrombosis (throm-boh-sis) The development of a blood clot in the circulatory system. Depending on the location of the clot, the resultant loss of circulation can lead to a stroke (cerebral thrombosis) or heart attack (coronary thrombosis). |
Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon
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 Vitamin B6
Major
Tranquilizers Chlorpromazine Thorazine Fluphenazine Permitil Prolixin and others
The b vitamins riboflavin and Bi2 (cyanocobalamin) may become depleted. A supplement may be required to prevent deficiency. A high dose of vitamin C reduced the serum level of Prolixin in one case, however, so caution is suggested. Dr. Daphne Roe suggests 2 to 5 mg of riboflavin daily.
Riboflavin Vitamin Bi2 Vitamin C
DRUG
INTERACTION
NUTRIENT
Potassium Kaon-Cl Klotrix K-Tab Micro-K Slow-K and others
Potassium supplements can interfere with the absorption of vitamin Bi2. |
| Several studies over the past few years have demonstrated a strong link between high blood levels of homocysteine and low levels of the b vitamins folic acid, B6 and Bi2.2,3
You may be wondering what homocysteine is and why anyone would get excited about it. This toxic amino acid has gotten relatively little public attention, but it may be almost as important as cholesterol in deteiroining who is at risk of heart attack, stroke, or other vascular diseases:
"Why should we care about homocysteine? |
| Since the risk of a seizure is so serious, no one on these anticonvulsants should take supplements containing the b vitamins for any reason unless the doctor is supervising.
Vitamins E and K and Coumadin
Vitamins also interact in a dangerous manner with the anticoagulant Coumadin (warfarin). Vitamin E has been praised for its antioxidant properties and is getting attention for its possible role in preventing heart disease. Investigators have documented that vitamin E supplements seem to lower the risk of heart disease by about one third and boost the cardioprotective action of beta carotene. |
| Anticonvulsants, especially Dilantin, are the best-known culprits, but oral contraceptives; estrogen replacement drugs such as Premarin, Estrace, and Estraderm; aspirin; and blood pressure drugs such as Apresoline, Dyazide, and Maxzide may also lower the amounts of one or another of these crucial b vitamins in the body. Cholesterol medicines such as Questran, corticosteroids, the potent rheumatoid arthritis medicine methotrexate, and even alcohol can also have this effect.
Eminent epidemiologists Meir J. Stampfer and Walter C. |
Nicola Reavley
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 Like the other b vitamins, riboflavin can be used to treat stress.
Interactions with other nutrients
Riboflavin is necessary for the activation of vitamin B6 and is also necessary for the conversion of tryptophan to niacin.
Interactions with drugs
Sulfa drugs, anti-malarial drugs, estrogen, cathartic agents and alcohol may interfere with riboflavin metabolism. High doses of riboflavin can reduce the effectiveness of the anticancer drug methotrexate. Some antibiotics and phenothiazine drugs may increase riboflavin excretion.
Riboflavin must be activated in the liver. |
Ralph Moss, PhD
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 Folic Acid
Folic acid is one of the b vitamins that is crucial for the synthesis of DNA (genetic material) as well as for many other important cell functions. It was discovered in spinach leaves in 1941 and was named "folate," after the Latin word for leaf {folium). The terms folate and folic acid are roughly synonymous. For the sake of simplicity, I will generally use the latter term. Not surprisingly, this vitamin is mainly found in green leafy vegetables. Although folic acid is not an antioxidant, it boosts the antioxidant network and thus has a place in our story. |
Ralph W. Moss, Ph.D.
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 DlTAMINS
The b vitamins are extremely important for the general maintenance of health. They enhance immune function; restore the nutritional status of cancer patients, especially those receiving conventional treatment; and enhance the effects while diminishing the side effects of chemotherapy.
Both cancer and its treatment with chemotherapy can lead to serious nutritional deficiencies. In particular, toxic drugs called antimetabolites —by their very design—interfere with the synthesis of essential nutrients, such as vitamins. |
| In addition to starch and sugars, ginseng contains steroids, pectin, many b vitamins, such as Bh B2, B12, nicotinic and pantothenic acids, and biotin, as well as the minerals zinc, manganese, calcium, iron and copper. It also contains choline, fats, and trace amounts of a volatile oil, among other things, according to Dr. A. Leung in his informative book, Chinese Herbal Remedies (New York: Phaidon Universe, 1984).
After hundreds of research reports, however, scientists still do not understand exactly what ginseng does in the body. |
| Flaxseed oil is not just rich in EFAs, but in b vitamins, protein and zinc. The "lin" in linoleic and linolenic tells us that flaxseed oil is isolated from Linum usitatissimum, or linseed, another name for flax. "Usitatissimum" means "most useful." Indeed, this plant has been extremely useful since ancient times as the source of linen, as well as for its deep amber oil. Even the meal left over after the oil has been expressed is fed to livestock. And, of course, the oil in most "oil paintings" is linseed. |
| Shiitake is highly nutritious: ounce for ounce it contains twice the protein and fiber of the typical supermarket mushroom; three times the minerals, especially calcium, phosphorus and iron; and high levels of the b vitamins and vitamin D2. Shiitakes also contain natural chemicals called polysaccharides, other nutrients, as well as some odd virus-like particles, that inhibit the growth of various other diseases. Extracts of shiitake possess powerful anticancer and anti-infective properties (11,12,20-27). |
Patrick Quillin, PhD,RD,CNS
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 Various b vitamins have been linked to the proper functioning of antibody response and cellular immunity.
Folate deficiency decreases mitogenesis.
Deficiency of vitamin C impairs phagocyte functions and cellular immunity.
Vitamin E deficiency decreases antibody response to T-dependent antigens, all of which gets worse with the addition of a selenium deficiency. In test animals, normal vitamin E intake was not adequate to optimize immune functions.4 Modest supplements of vitamin E have been shown to enhance the immune response. |
Thomas Bartram
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 Seeds are high in b vitamins and Vitamin E, and therefore good for muscles, nerves and blood vessels. Rich in a wide spectrum of minerals, including zinc. In Russia the seeds are a staple item of diet. Habitual eating of the seeds is said to build-up physical endurance and resistance against disease, as well as preserve natural sight for a long time without glasses. Up to half a cup of seeds may be eaten daily by sportspeople to strengthen muscles and improve performance.
Seed and oil reduce cholesterol deposits, help reduce high blood pressure, and prevent heart failure. |
| Constituents: b vitamins, Vitamin A, and minerals: calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc; nutrient, linoleic acid, cucurbitacins. Action: anthelmintic - important worm remedy, ground and mixed with honey. Diuretic - infusion of 2-3 teaspoons seeds in cup boiling water; infuse 10 minutes - half-1 cup freely. Male hormone-like effect on prostate gland. Uses. Because of their antimitotic effect are used to arrest enlargement of prostate gland. Cystitis. Minor kidney dysfunction. Tapeworm (see entry). Schistosomiasis. (Dr W.A.R. Thomson (1976) 138)
Preparations. |
| Constituents: asparagine, b vitamins, Vitamin C, sinigrin and other glucosinolates, resin. Action: efficient alternative to Cayenne pepper, Diuretic, urinary antispetic, diaphoretic, carminative; liver, spleen and pancreatic stimulant. Bacteriostatic action on Gram-negative bacilli. (Rudat K.D. (1957) Journal Hyg. Epidem. Microbiol. Immunol. Prague I 213)
To raise vital force in the elderly. Antibiotic. Circulatory stimulant with warming effect. Digestive aid. Anti-thyroid. Uses. |
Ruth Winter, M.S.
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 BREWER'S YEAST • Originally used by beer brewers, it is a good source of b vitamins and protein. It can cause allergic reactions. BRIDEWORT • See Filipendula rubra. BRILLIANT BLACK 1 • A diazo (see) color.
BRILLIANTINES • Hairdressings that impart a shine to the hair. Cream bril-liantines are usually made of mineral oil (25 percent), beeswax, triethanolamine stearate, and water (65 percent). Liquid brilliantine is composed of mineral oil (75 percent) and isopropyl myristate. Solid brilliantines are made of mineral oil, petrolatum, and paraffin. |
Thomas Bartram
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| Lactobacillus Acidophilus assists production of b vitamins, regulates cholesterol levels, enhances the immune system and helps absorption of food. Perhaps the most popular bacteria-friendly food is yoghurt.
L.A. is available in tablets and capsules. As a vaginal douche the powder can be used for thrush. It is necessary to follow the use of antibiotics of orthodox pharmacy. Of value for Candida albicans, allergies, depression and some forms of menstrual disorders.
ACIDOSIS. |
Velma J. Keith and Monteen Gordon
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| Multiple Vitamin and Mineral b vitamins, B6, and B12
5. Herbs— Cayenne, Lobelia, Chlorophyll
6. Diet— Mild Food Diet, Juice Fast, Real Food Diet.
Uterus, Cleanse
Juice Fast Mineral Water Douche See Endometriosis #3 Note: Many times a liver and/or gall bladder cleanse will also help to cleanse the uterus. An enema is good also. Keeping the colon clean helps the uterus to stay clean.
Vaginal Discomforts, Itching
1. Mineral Water douche
Varicose Veins (See Ailments)
Yeast Infection
1. Garlic douche
2. Comfrey tea or extract douche
3. |
James A. Duke, Ph.D.
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 You may want to take extra zinc and the antioxidant nutrients: vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and the mineral selenium. The b vitamins are important, too, since research suggests that they're depleted by chronic stress.
Rather than taking a fistful of individual pills, perhaps your best bet is to choose one good-quality daily multivitamin/mineral supplement. Look for a formula that contains extra amounts of the antioxidants.
Reduce your caffeine intake. If you're a Java junkie, all that caffeine might be aggravating your feelings of stress and anxiety. |
| The best food sources of the b vitamins are whole grain breads and cereals. You can also take a supplement—50 to 100 milligrams a day of a B-complex product that includes 25 to 300 micrograms of B,2 and about 400 micrograms of folic acid.
Check for undiagnosed food sensitivities. Naturopathic physician
Good He earing
Dr. Duke's Anti-Aging Elixir
Old-Fashioned Ear Easer
MY WIFE. PEGGY. SEEMS TO have worse hearing than I do. It's not just my mumbling, which I admit is a problem. Quite often, when the television is playing, she misses what is clearly audible to me. |
| This makes sense biologically because proliferating cells, such as those involved in hair growth, are high in biotin and other b vitamins. largement, but it might also help treat hair loss. Since the two conditions often go hand in hand for older men, Even Better Prosnut Butter might help them with both at the same time. For the recipe, see page 206.
More Herbal Hair-Restorers
Saw palmetto may be the best herb for treating hair loss, but it's not the only one. |
| This B Vitamin May Reverse Balding
If you're experiencing hair loss, you may want to try taking supplements of the b vitamins, especially biotin. In a few studies that I've seen, when people with hair loss were given biotin to correct a deficiency of the nutrient, their hair grew back. Like saw palmetto, biotin helps prevent the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. For adults, the recommended dose ranges from 30 to 300 micrograms.
In other research, women who were losing their hair were able to slow the process by taking B-complex supplements. |
Marcia Zimmerman, C.N.
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 To pardy compensate for these losses, some of the b vitamins and one or two minerals are added back to "enriched" flours and cereal grains. Chromium is one of the trace minerals that is not added back, and it is a necessary element for your body to shuttle glucose into cells. Chromium makes insulin more efficient, thereby reducing the amount it takes to get glucose into your body cells. You are sure to get enough of this essential mineral if you follow the 30-Day Plan.
We have seen that there are two sides to the carbohydrate picture. |
| We need these flora because they produce some of the b vitamins we need to be healthy, they assist in digestion and absorption of water, and they produce metabolites that boost our immune systems. Diarrhea is a common effect of antibiotic use in children, and it occurs because all the flora have been destroyed by the medication. Amazingly, pediatricians still do not warn patients of this. Doctors should suggest that parents feed children yogurt with live acidophilus cultures whenever they are prescribed antibiotics. |
| Although pyridoxine, or vitamin B6, was the specific B vitamin tested, the other b vitamins are required to "push" pyridoxine-activated enzymatic reactions to completion.
You can see that the argument for supplementation with fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins is extremely compelling. In the early eighties, a Canadian team noted that the data accumulated proved diet alone could not provide enough nutrients to overcome fluctuation in brain biochemistry. |
| Always take b vitamins with food; otherwise they may upset your stomach. how much?
Children: 1 capsule daily with breakfast Adolescents: 1 capsule with breakfast and one with dinner Adolescents and Adults: 2 to 3 capsules daily depending on body size and need. Take with breakfast and dinner. Add a third capsule at lunch if you are taking three. antioxidants product Antioxidant formulas with vitamins A, C, E, and beta carotene You can select one of several good formulas from major supplement suppliers. |
Thomas Bartram
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| Constituents: caffeine, aromatic oil, tannic acid, b vitamins.
Action. General stimulant, anti-emetic, anti-narcotic, diuretic.
Uses. A valuable agent medicinally but over-consumption may be followed by a wide range of symptoms. See: CAFFEINISM. Used for fatigue, drowsiness, headache and to reduce effects of alcohol.
Coffee stimulates the activities of all organs, increasing nervous and circulatory activity. An excess produces nervous agitation, restlessness and is the cause of many allergies. |
John Robbins
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 Many studies have found, for example, that children with higher intakes of b vitamins and other brain-active micro-nutrients do better in school than those children whose diets are lower in these nutrients. Others studies have found that children who are exposed to heavy metals (such as lead, cadmium, or mercury) through their food, air, or water have reduced learning and memory, and impaired functioning of the central nervous system. |
Patricia Hausman & Judith Benn Hurley
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 A cup of cooked chick-peas provides lots of protein, fiber, iron, and potassium, as well as substantial amounts of the b vitamins thiamine and niacin. All delivered, of course, without high levels of fat or sodium.
Want numbers? If so, figure 3 grams of fat and 16 milligrams of sodium per cup of cooked, unsalted chick-peas.
At the Market: Chick-peas are available cooked, in cans, or as dried beans. The latter are sometimes sold in bulk. When buying them, look for whole, unbroken beans with an even khaki color, no odor, and uniform size. |
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