Vitamin Warning, Insulin Levels

[APanthesilia]

I finally found some vitamins today with no iron. They are Holland and Barrett ABC Plus Senior Multi-vitamin Multi-mineral Formula. I'm not a senior but I know many people on this board take Centrum Silver so I figured these were ok. But then when I got them home I noticed a warning on the back:

"Diabetics/Hypoglycemics: Use only under a doctor's supervision because this product contains chromium which may enhance insulin sensitivity and may affect your blood glucose levels."

I am neither diabetic nor hypoglycemic but I know that atkins and insulin levels relate, right? (That part of DANDR is always way above my head!) Is it ok for me to take these vitamins even though they may enhance insulin sensitivity? Do I need to find another vitamin without chromium? I looked and Centrum Silver also has chromium in it, does it carry the same warning? Any advice on this is very much appreciated. I am out of my league when it comes to supplements!

Also...this is probably a stupid question but is Cod Liver Oil fish oil? I know it sounds like it is but I thought fish oil was for getting in omega 3 fatty acids but the cod liver oil I bought says it is for joint health. I have terrible joints so that it is not bad if it is for my joints but do I need a separate supplement for omega 3 or will this one suffice? Sorry! I know it is probably dumb!

[biogeek]

Re: Vitamin Warning, Insulin Levels

I'm not completely certain why that warning is on there because chromium is suppose to HELP diabetics and such, so I'm guessing that if a diabetic takes a chromium supplement, that person will have to change their medications. Kinda like how you're not suppose to eat grapefruit or have its juice when you're on certain medications. Just a guess though.

My hubby's centrum does not have this warning on it that I can see, and I don't see why one couldn't take it while on this WOE. Chromium is a necessary element in our bodies and certainly helps with metabolism. Many people on these boards have taken Centrum Silver, which has chromium in it, without it hurting their WOE. It is really up to you whether you continue to take it or not.

With your other question...yes, cod liver oil is fish oil, but fish oil may not necessarily be cod liver oil. Does that make sense? It's similar to every gentleman is a man, but not every man is a gentleman. If you take cod liver oil, you'll be getting your omega 3s. Hope it's in pill form! Fish oil in any form tastes AWFUL!!! Bleh!

[APanthesilia]

Re: Vitamin Warning, Insulin Levels

Biogeek, Thank you! I will continue taking it, it is the most complete multivitamin I've seen that doesn't have iron! I just wanted to make sure I wouldn't be accidentaly sabotaging myself. Strange about the warning though!

Thanks about the cod liver oil, too! It is in pill form! I don't think I could handle swallowing just fish oil...ick! Swallowing psyllium husks is bad enough!

[biogeek]

Re: Vitamin Warning, Insulin Levels

Better to be safe than sorry! I'm glad you asked. I will look further into the warning labels over the weekend and see what I find out.

Glad to hear you're taking the pill form! LOL The liquid fish oil makes me ill thinking about it...psyllium husks aren't quite as bad, but bad enough! LOL

[mitzimarie]

Re: Vitamin Warning, Insulin Levels

"Diabetics/Hypoglycemics: Use only under a doctor's supervision because this product contains chromium which may enhance insulin sensitivity and may affect your blood glucose levels."

I am neither diabetic nor hypoglycemic but I know that atkins and insulin levels relate, right? (That part of DANDR is always way above my head!) Is it ok for me to take these vitamins even though they may enhance insulin sensitivity? Do I need to find another vitamin without chromium? I looked and Centrum Silver also has chromium in it, does it carry the same warning? Any advice on this is very much appreciated. I am out of my league when it comes to supplements!

This is very interesting. Not only do I take Centrum Silver, but I also take a Chromium Picolinate supplement. This is what the box says:

"Chromium is an essential mineral nutrient. It works with your body's insulin, promoting its effectiveness. Chromium is also a vital part of your natural mechanism for regulating blood sugar and activating various enzymes for energy production. It also supports healthy cholesterol and heart health."

Perhaps since it helps regulate blood sugar, it is as bio suggests... that people who are already on medication may need to have their dosage changed to compensate for that.

[APanthesilia]

Re: Vitamin Warning, Insulin Levels

This is very interesting. Not only do I take Centrum Silver, but I also take a Chromium Picolinate supplement. This is what the box says:

"Chromium is an essential mineral nutrient. It works with your body's insulin, promoting its effectiveness. Chromium is also a vital part of your natural mechanism for regulating blood sugar and activating various enzymes for energy production. It also supports healthy cholesterol and heart health."

I was reading in the DANDR last night and Dr Atkins says much the same thing as the box. It was a relief to read in the book that not only is it ok to take it is good to take! Thanks!