From: Dr. Neal Pinckney (ip64-75-190-156.dial.aloha.net)
Subject: Re: Vitamins
Date: January 14, 2002 at 10:30 pm PST

In Reply to: Vitamins posted by Liz on January 14, 2002 at 11:15 am:

Sadly, some of the reports of recent research are confusing to many of us. It seems that almost every week we read of a new study that tells us that what we had been told was good for us may now be harmful. One study seems to contradict another.

It is important to understand that many of these reports are preliminary studies which need to be replicated on more general populations before the conclusions warrant a change in the way we act. The media seldom reports the limitations and cautions the authors have discussed.

The decision as to whether one should supplement cholesterol lowering medications with niacin should be made with one's personal physician. We caution against megadoses of niacin unless under strict supervision of a physician.

As this writing, we find that research and clinical studies indicate that the following daily supplements are helpful for reversing and preventing coronary heart disease. None are known to negatively effect usually prescribed cholesterol lowering medications or blood pressure lowering medications, or to interfere with the lifestyle program we recommend.

Vitamin C 2 x 500 mg
Vitamin E 400 IU (water soluble)
Vitamin B6 50 to 100 mg
Vitamin B12 500 to 500 mcg
Folates (Folic Acid) 400 mcg
Beta Carotene 5,000 to 20,000 IU
Selenium 200 mcg
Aspirin 81 mg (1/4 of a regular aspirin or one baby aspirin)