General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Nitwits & Why Physicians Lose Credibility [View all]IdaBriggs
(10,559 posts)So are essentially fatty acids, and essential amino acids. If you don't get all of them in appropriate amounts, you *will* die.
These issues are extremely well documented for the "major vitamins and minerals" -- look here: http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/food-composition/individual-macronutrients-phytonutrients-vitamins-minerals/vitamins-minerals if you trust those crazy government folks. You might have even heard of stuff like "scurvy" (vitamin c deficiency related) or "anemia" (iron deficiency).
The *trace* mineral symptoms are not as well known - teeth grinding from manganese deficiency is always a fun one to watch go away - and while anyone who has read their cereal box in the morning knows "vitamins and minerals are good for you" not everyone understands you need *all* of them to have a healthy body, and if you are short in one, odds are better than good you are short in the ones you aren't measuring.
If you are able to absorb them from a healthy food supply, AWESOME! Reality is that we have a high percentage of people who can't -- and things go downhill pretty quickly.
Yes, you need to not be an idiot and don't overdose, and yes, you need to be aware of the interactions.
But "don't take them" is the dumbest thing I've read in a long time. Take them APPROPRIATELY.
And I would have had more respect for this publication if they had documented / validated absorption rates (wait-a-minute - that matters? gasp!) instead of just making the "nope, doesn't work - move on!" editorial.
Oh, did you mistakenly think they did?
Trust them - they are doctors!