VITAMINS: CHECK YOUR SOURCES

Got Siberian ginseng?Even though the majority of people will still have milk at home before they own a bottle of herbal vitamins, more and more are expanding their nutritional horizons. It wouldn't be so necessary if the rules of the basic four food groups were followed, said Amy Thompson, pharmacist at the Healing Arts Pharmacy in Cape Girardeau."Most people do okay with vitamin requirements if they're eating their meats and veggies," Thompson said. "But most people don't."Thompson has noticed an expansion in the vitamin market over the past three years. Herbal and animal product vitamins from shark cartilage to St. John's Wort have become popular.It's hard to define exactly where this sudden interest came from, but Grace Parry suggested that a growing desire for alternatives in medicine is part of the explanation."We've come to a point in time where people are seeking alternatives and better technology has improved research in this area," said Parry, who owns A Touch of Grace, which sells herbal remedies.Research into popular herbal vitamins is still slim, since the federal Food and Drug Administration does not set requirements for them, Thompson said.A lack of standards can be negative, since many firms enter into the vitamin business placing quality behind profit, Parry said. "People can get away with just about anything," she said. "That's why it's important to be selective."The benefits of calcium was the first vitamin information to gain wide publicity, Thompson said. About seven years ago, medical studies began to seriously underscore the importance of calcium, especially for women, who lose calcium more quickly due to menopause."Unless you're a big milk drinker, this is important," she said.Vitamin E is another that has been proven clinically to improve circulation. This has been a boon to those with heart problems, Thompson said.Vitamin C has always been popular as a cold remedy, but many don't realize that massive doses don't equal a powerful impact. Since vitamin C is water soluble, the body will absorb only a certain amount, with excess being passed out through urination, Thompson said.More care needs to be practiced with fat soluble vitamins, such as A, E and D. The human body does not eliminate these as quickly, and it's possible to build up toxic levels, Thompson said."In most cases, an unbelievable amount has to be taken," she said. "But with some people, these vitamins can become an addiction."Many intangibles come into play with vitamins, some of which can be damaging to a person's health. Herbal ginkgo, which is derived from a native Asian tree of the same name, has gained popularity as an aid to memory. But it also acts as a blood thinner, which someone trying to improve memory power might not be aware of, Parry said."Some people play around with different vitamin combinations," Parry said. "They shouldn't."Along with seeking the advice of a medical professional, Parry said those with an interest in herbal vitamins should try to get as much information themselves before buying."No one can guarantee that a vitamin will do the same for you as your relative, because body makeups differ," she said. "But we can guarantee that the ingredients are good."

WHAT ABOUT HERBAL VITAMINS?

The following lists some natural herbal vitamins and their suggested benefits:- Bee Pollen: Relieves allergies, gives quick energy- Catnip: Relieves colic, nerves, cigarette craving, colds, flu, digestion problems, hiccups and gas.- Garlic: Normalizes blood pressure, relieves colds.- Horsetail: Stops hair from falling out, stops split ends.- Hops: Relieves insomnia, nerves, decreases desire for alcohol.- Siberian ginseng: Improves energy, endurance; relieves depression, impotency.-St. John's Wort: Replenishes nervous system, relieves depression.- Valerian: Natural tranquilizer, pain reliever, promotes sleep.- Yucca: Natural cortisone, reduces joint inflammation.Source: A Touch of Grace