There are specific tests to identify any deficiencies and we recommend that these are carried out before one starts taking any supplements.

The daily quantities stated below intentionally exceed the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) as they are meant to correct deficiencies, not to simply sustain health. In recent years, a number of experts have come to view the RDA, as an inaccurate reflector of one’s true nutritional requirements.

A. VITAMINS

Vitamin A & Beta-carotene. Anti-oxidants. Usually 5-10,000 i.u daily. Sometimes higher doses are recommended. During early pregnancy, doses of more than 10.000 i.u daily are not recommended (low risk of teratogenicity for the foetus during the first 3 months of conception).

Vitamins B1 B2 B6 – Multivitamins. A high potency Vitamin B Complex is recommended with Vitamin B1 B2 & B6 present as 30-50 mg each. Vitamin B2 makes the urine strong yellow. Vitamin B6 may have a mild stimulating effect and is better avoided at night. A good high potency multivitamin/mineral preparation will contain these amounts as well as other essential nutrients – but the space in a capsule is limited. Conditions they can help: PMT, pregnancy, chronic fatigue, Mg absorption, skin & hair, emotional health.

Vitamin B12 & Folic Acid. Apart from the prevention of pernicious anaemia, these vitamins are essential in the welfare of the nervous system in patients with MS, chronic fatigue, prevention of spina bifida pre-conceptually and in reducing levels of homocysteine (and risk of coronary artery disease). Usual doses: B12 50-200mcg daily; Folic acid 4-10 mg daily.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid). Powerful anti-oxidant. Usual dose 0.5-2 gr daily. Patients with cancer or cardio-vascular disease may have to take much larger doses than this. Orally, in doses above 4-5 gr daily it might cause gastric acidity.

Vitamin D. Important nutrient, whose conversion to vitamin D3, by exposure of the body to sunlight, is critical in enabling dietary calcium to be absorbed and keep the bones healthy. In many countries with below average yearly sunlight, as the UK, this is a well recognised problem, especially affecting the elderly & those confined at home.

Vitamin E. Powerful antioxidant. Its value in reducing the risk of cancer and cardio-vascular disease has been well documented. Usual dose: 200-800 i.u daily.

Co-enzyme Q10. Useful in the welfare of the muscle cell. A vitamin and a powerful antioxidant. Mainly used in the prevention of cancer, nutritional treatment of hypertension & in advanced heart failure. Dose: 50-3000 mg daily.

B. MINERALS

Unlike vitamins the body does not manufacture these trace elements, which have to be obtained from food.

Calcium. Vital nutrient for every cell. Ordinary diets are high in calcium (commonly obtained from protein, not low as some people believe. (Ratio of calcium:magnesium = 2:1 in nature – 10:1 in western “omnivorous” diet) but its effective absorption depends on the regular conversion of vitamin D to D3, with the assistance of sunlight. People on dairy-free diets, post-menopausal women and the elderly, with higher risk of osteoporosis may have extra needs. Its good balance with magnesium & potassium is essential. Common dose: 500-1,000mg daily. A bone densitometry for those over 50 years can determine the risk of osteoporosis and helps to make appropriate nutritional adjustments.

Chromium. Essential for the insulin:carbohydrate balance. It can accelerate weight loss and stabilise “brittle”, insulin-dependent diabetes by reducing fluctuating levels of insulin. Usual dose: 100-1,000mcg.

Iron. A common deficiency, resulting from blood loss (women’s cycles) or poor dietary intake (vegan diets). Iron deficiencies are most common in pregnancy and babies. Common dose: 200-600 mg daily (of an appropriate iron-compound).

Magnesium. A very common deficiency in the western world, often remaining undiagnosed, common in chronic fatigue, aching spine & muscles, cramps, nervous problems and some neurological conditions. Many people with allergies, irritable bowel, eczema & asthma have low intra-cellular Mg. Most hospital laboratories test only the serum Mg, which is often normal, but does not accurately reflect one’s Mg levels in the cell. Dose: 150-300mg daily. Note: Supplements are available in the form of compounds, which can be misleading; check that the “elemental”, the neat Mg, available in a preparation is the correct one.

Potassium. Important co-factor in the absorption of Mg and the optimal function of the cell. Patients on diuretics frequently suffer with low potassium. Good source of potassium is Lo-salt and bananas.

Zinc. Important co-factor in the absorption of other nutrients (Mg), the welfare of hair, skin and nails and a robust immune system. According to 8 placebo controlled trials, repeated doses of Zn, taken during the first 24-48 hours of a cold, will abort it in 4 out of 5 people. Unlike the rest of nutrients, its absorption is best if taken on its own, away from food. Dose: 15-50 mg daily.

Selenium. Important antioxidant, complementing other nutrients with similar properties, the prevention of cancer & heart disease. Dose: 100-200 mcg daily. Some modern drugs prescribed to reduce cholesterol such as the statins can cause selenium depletion (seleno-methionine) thereby increasing the risk of cancer and myalgia or myopathy (muscle aching or weakness) especially in the elderly.

Other minerals: Manganese – Molybdenum – Copper. Information on these minerals will be offered if these are considered necessary.

C. ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS.

Omega 3 – (Fish Oils, Flaxseed Oil & Linseed Oil). Have a major role in the prevention & treatment of coronary heart disease, heart failure, reduction of cholesterol, anxiety-depression and arthritis. Caution, if taken along with anti-coagulants (e.g. warfarin) because omega 3 itself acts as an anti-coagulant. Linseed oil is preferable in fish-intolerant patients. Dose: 1-6 grams daily.

Omega 6 – (GLA, Evening Primrose Oil). These fatty acids influence the integrity of the membrane of the nerve- and brain-cell in MS and hyperactivity, the lubrication of the skin in atopic eczema and several female problems including PMS, toxaemia and menopause. Caution if suffering with some types of epilepsy. Dose 1-6 gr daily.

D. AMINO-ACIDS

Several amino-acids have been found to have therapeutic properties, whilst some others have been associated with some detrimental effects, if taken in large quantities.

Most good manufacturers offer supplements free of yeast, wheat, maize, sugar or gelatin. Those patients with food allergies should be careful to avoid the alternatives. Occasionally,
people with chemical sensitivities find that they react to some of the substances used as excipients in the capsules. They can benefit from intravenous infusions of high potency, excipient-free nutrients. A small number of manufacturers in the West have started omitting excipients from supplements but their shelf-life is reduced.

E. INTRAVENOUS NUTRIENT INFUSIONS

This section is to be updated shortly.

E. ADDITIONAL NOTES

1. Nutritional supplements may take some weeks to show a positive effect. They often assist the absorption of other nutrients.
2. Most nutrients are best absorbed with/after meals with the exemption of zinc, which should be taken, if possible, on its own, on an empty stomach
3. Analysis of minerals, vitamins and essential fatty acids is always preferable but adds to the costs of your treatment. If this is a problem, some nutrients will be recommended, on the basis of your history or clinical findings, at the doctor’s discretion
4. Do not discontinue your supplements or there may be a relapse of some of your symptoms – this usually takes more than just a few days
5. Nutritional supplements are sometimes offered for their therapeutic/user-friendly properties, not just to correct a deficiency
6. Various nutrients can be obtained from health food shops & manufacturers. At our clinics, they are sold at discounted prices – we pass to our patients the manufacturers’ discounts.

F. PRECAUTIONS

For a list of nutrients currently available at discounted prices, please contact our Clinics