This is slightly off topic but is of interest to many people nevertheless.
My 16 years old vegetarian granddaughter cannot swallow tablets or capsules. This is quite a problem. She is very tall, very thin - British size 6 and has just started studying for her A levels. She has long days at college and 2 bus journeys twice a day. She has been feeling very tired a few months ago and again now. She has already suffered with a bad cold after starting college.
She did have a blood test a few months ago (feeling very tired and weak) and didn’t obtain a copy of the results but was told the usual nonsense by the GP that everything was ‘normal’! I suspect her iron levels must have been in the normal range but clearly close to the bottom range. I don’t think her diet is good, especially as a vegetarian. She lives with her father and I suspect she doesn’t get the important nutrients she needs, she is also a fussy eater. So quite a problem.
So I suggested to her taking a good multivitamin including Vitamins D3 K2 K 7, B12 and iron. She agreed she would be willing to take these but could not swallow tablets/capsules. So there is no point in buying her the vitamins in this form, which makes it difficult. I look at spray multivitamins but the dosage did not seem good enough. The BetterYou range. Are there any others?
To be honest I don’t know what to do for the best. I don’t want to waste money on products that are not good enough or products she can’t take (not able to swallow). However I am most worried about her state of health physically as well as mentally. She often feels down. She’s very academic and always obtains top results and intends to go to university post A levels. I would like to be able to help her.
So would anyone be able to point me in the direct direction PLEASE?
Many thanks in advance.
Written by
JGBH
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She must get actual results and ranges on her test results
She is legally entitled to results and ranges
She (or her Dad?) can get her online access to her medical records and blood test results
The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results
UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.
If serum B12 result below 500, (Or active B12 below 70) recommended to be taking a B12 supplement as well as a B Complex (to balance all the B vitamins) initially for first 2-4 months.
once your serum B12 is over 500 (or Active B12 level has reached 70), stop the B12 and just carry on with the B Complex.
Thorne Basic B recommended vitamin B complex that contains folate, but they are large capsules. (Your grand daughter could tip powder out if can’t swallow capsule)
IMPORTANT......If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 7 days before ALL BLOOD TESTS , as biotin can falsely affect test results
The present review of the literature regarding B12 status among vegetarians shows that the rates of B12 depletion and deficiency are high. It is, therefore, recommended that health professionals alert vegetarians about the risk of developing subnormal B12 status. Vegetarians should also take preventive measures to ensure adequate intake of this vitamin, including the regular intake of B12 supplements to prevent deficiency. Considering the low absorption rate of B12 from supplements, a dose of at least 250 μg should be ingested for the best results.3
Iron
Never supplement iron unless had full iron panel test for anaemia including ferritin
Come back with new post once you get actual results
I'm sorry to hear that your granddaughter is going through a tough time right now. As per all the advice that I've gleaned from other members on here, a multi vit and mineral may not be the best way to go as some components prevent the absorption of others and some may not be needed (or could even be detrimental in excess). Better You do a good range of spray supplements and are easily obtainable in the UK betteryou.com/collections/all
There aren't any good multivitamins in any form. They tend to contain too little óf anything to help low levels, often include the cheapest, least absorbable and wrong form of ingredients, and can include things we need to test for first and only supplement if necessary, eg iron, vit D, iodine, calcium.
They also lump things together and there are many combinations that we shouldn't take at the same time. I read that we shouldn't take more than 2 vitamins at the same time.
If they contain iron that will affect absorption of everything else, iron needs to be taken 2 hours away from other supplements.
If it contains B12 and Vit C then the Vit C can stop the body using the B12, again 2 hours between them is needed.
Calcium should not be taken at the same time as iron, zinc or magnesium.
Zinc affects copper absorption.
Fat soluble vitamins - A, D, E, K - taken together they compete for fat for absorption, best taken away from each other.
As her vitamins were tested a few months ago it would be a good idea to get new tests done for the key nutrients - Vit D, B12, Folate, Ferritin, especially as Vit D levels in the winter are likely to be lower than in summer. Then she should obtain a copy of the results. If ferritin is low she'll need an iron panel to see if she has iron deficiency and a full blood count to see if she has anaemia. Once she has this information then she should supplement what she needs. You are welcome to post her new results, with ranges and units of measurement for Vit D and B12, and we can help further.
JGBH, As your granddaughter is so very slim and vegetarian, I wonder whether the tiredness might be due to protein and fat deficiency, rather than simply vitamins. Many vegetarians live on relatively high carb diets, don't eat enough veggies and don't get nearly enough protein and fats. The body needs protein and fat stores to draw on to sustain energy levels when the 'fast' energy from carbs runs out.
Unfortunately so. I don’t understand vegetarians who are so fussy about eating vegetables…. and nuts…. Some eat meat substitutes… If vegetarians eat a balanced diet plus B12 supplements and perhaps iron they might alright.
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