Dieticians onboard?

[Darryle]

I have been using these quick melt vitamins and nutrients, am I wasting my money? I am anemic and have a blood/gastric disorder that makes my metabolism way faster than it should be for someone my age.

I do iron infusions, Triferic AVNU monthly. They have tried a different infusion weekly, didn't improve my condition.

I do a high dose Vitamin C 25000 MG monthly along with a vitamin bonanza.

Any insight on vitamins is appreciated, the oral quick desolve is my only option, regular vitamins pass thru to quickly.


Currently at 168lbs, down about 45lbs since February.

My Dr has me on these vitamins and I honestly wonder what if any good they are doing.

 

[V2Pnutrition]

There’s a lot of unknowns here and variables that would lead to a dietitian saying “it depends…”. Things like your history, condition, labs, etc…That, of course, isn’t helpful in answering your questions.

Have you asked him what his goal is in your taking all of these? What each one is for?

Often times those mega dose concoctions contain a ton of stuff that’s theoretically helpful/anecdotal vs actually being therapeutic (“should” help vs actually helping). That’s a large generalization, but has been my observation.

Vitamin C has a short life since it’s a water-soluble/not protein bound (i.e. a mega dose like that is likely pee’d out fairly quick vs lasting a full month…not to mention excess can be excreted partly as oxalate).

I’d ask him the same question you’re posing here: is any of this helping? Is there anything I can stop taking? Lower the dose on? He’ll have the best insight since he knows your history and all the variables.

 

[Darryle]

I really appreciate the response.

Here is a little more information.

The monthly Ascorbic Acid/Vitamin C is intravenous, the Ferritin Iron is also intravenous, vitamin C is about an hour, the Ferritin is 4hrs minimum. I have severe anemia, my hemoglobin has been in the low 6s(6.3 the first time, 6.4 the second time)twice requiring hospitalization in the past 3yrs. I have had colon cancer twice and beat it twice. My blood has lost its ability to coagulate, so I carry a trauma kit everywhere I go.

I did add the electrolytes and vitamin B to the Ascorbic Acid infusion a couple of times, but like you say, I passed it out the next time I urinated, I could smell it. So, I just do the Ascorbic Acid infusion now. I can lower the dosage by choice, it's the maximum this clinic will administer. There is a reason I chose the highest dosage.

I am sorry I wasn't more clear in the OP, I am more concerned about the body being able to breakdown and use these quick melt vitamins and nutrients. I use this brand specifically, dietician at the oncologist office recommended them, of vitamins and supplements, this is just one of 16.



It's roughly $320/$350 a month for the regumin. I need to have bloodwork done while on and off the vitamins and nutrients to see if they actually are boosting the numbers. I haven't been able to validate any of the dosage claims and I am actually skeptical of them. The FDA doesn't test them to validate the information and I haven't seen any independent testing.


Thanks again for the information, I really appreciate it.

 

[V2Pnutrition]

You’re very welcome.

That’s a fairly complex history and why I asked. If, for example, someone with colon cancer had a portion of the colon removed, it would affect production of intrinsic factor (responsible for the transportation and reabsorption of B12). That would justify/be plausible for a mega dose like that.

I would explain exactly what you’ve said here: “look, this is costing me nearly $400/month. If that’s keeping me alive and healthy, ok. If I don’t need parts of it, it would be great to know…or, is there a more cost effective way to get it in?”

They should be able to do blood chemistry and adjust…especially if you’ve been consistent in taking it.

You’re spot on, on the efficacy with supplements having no regulation. All the more reason to do a blood chemistry.

There is a third party that verifies this- look for USP verified on the bottle (see image).

You might also ask the Dr./RD who has managed your case thus far if you could take a bariatric vitamin (Bariatric Fusion) with the same results. They’re mega dosed like you’re taking and chewable. Often for folks who have had GI surgery. Contrary to the above, they only run ~$40/month long supply. Have her run the stats on them compared to what you’re taking now to see if there’s overlap.

 

[Sapcut]

What do you eat everyday for meals?

 

[Marbles]

Have a conversation with your provider about the why and the evidence behind the why. Ask about alternatives that are cheaper. Sometimes there are adequate alternatives, though they may not be preferred, and sometimes there is no alternative that does the same thing. Ask what the probable consequences not pursuing the current therapy are. Ideally a provider will be open to such discussions. Do the recommendations originate from your current provider, or are they carrying forward the recommendations of a specialist you saw in the past? If the latter, they may not know they why or the evidence, and you will need to discuss it with a specialist. Given your history, I would be surprised if a specialist has not been involved in your care at some point. Sometimes a fresh set of eyes will pick up on things that an equally skilled set will miss after being involved for some time (and sometimes the fresh set will miss key details or simply try to retread old ground). So, a second opinion might be worthwhile.