Hello all!
I have found a great vitamin that I think contributes to my feeling better in the last couple of days since I took the first one. It's called "Balanced B-100." The brand is local to San Francisco, but I think there are similar vitamins out there. Anyway, it supports cardiovascular systems and mental health. Heart and mind were my two biggest concerns, and this vitamin addresses them both. Just thought I would share for anyone who's interested.

I'm currently takin B-100 from the Vitamin Shoppe. But it's only vitamin B. man it gives me lots of energy. Is yours only a vitamin B complex?

Mine is a Vitamin B complex of B-6 and B-12 and some other non-B vitamins (only small amounts). It gives you energy? I haven't found that as much. A friend of mine said the same thing about her. I wish it gave me energy... I think it's a big factor in why I feel better these days....it says good for "mental health" right on the bottle! Works for me!

HELLO THERE! IM SO GLAD TO READ ALL OF THIS. I HAVE BEEN DOING SO MUCH RESEARCH ON NATURAL WAYS OF HELPING ME WITH THIS CONDITION I HAVE. I HAVE A FRIEND WITH THE SAME CONDITION AND THE DOCTORS PUT HER ON PROZAC. I HAVE TAKEN ELAVIL BEFORE, I TOOK IT FOR THREE YEARS UNTIL I FOUND THE MIDWEST PROGRAM. I HAVE DONE WELL FOR A LONG TIME BUT AM GOING THRU A GROWTH SPURT. ITS A TOUGH ONE BUT I DONT WANT TO GO BACK ON MEDS. MY FRIEND ON PROZAC KEEPS TELLING ME TO GO BACK TO THE MEDS. SHE LOVES HER PROZAC. BUT HER DOC PUT HER ON PROZAC AND ALSO TOLD HER TO GET SOME COUNSELING. SHE ONLY DID THE MEDS AND IS PUTTING HER HEAD IN THE SAND IF YOU ASK ME. ANYWAY I BELIEVE IN THIS PROGRAM BUT WOULD LOVE TO FIND JUST VITAMINS THAT CAN HELP. EVEN SOME OF THE AMINO ACIDS I HAVE HEARD OF ARE ENCOURAGING BUT SCARE ME A LITTLE BECAUSE OF SOME THINGS IVE READ. VITAMINS ARE MY NEXT HOPE. THANKS FOR THE INFO. COULD YOU TELL ME IF YOU TAKE THE B VITAMINS ALONG WITH A MULTI VITAMIN. I TAKE ONE A DAY WOMENS FORMULA AND WOULD LIKE TO ADD THE B100 ALSO. WHAT DO YOU THINK OR KNOW ABOUT THIS. THANKS AGAIN. LC

I take Trivita Sublingual B-12. It has done wonders for my panic atacks. It also has some folic acid & B-6. You can learn more about in at Trivita.com It sure has helped me alot. good luck all. Hope this was helpful. Thelmama

Just to comment on vitamins and energy. Vitamins do not give you energy, that is only a myth.
Here are some myths along with the facts:
"Myth: Vitamins give you energy.
Fact: Calories are what give you energy, and vitamins have no calories. Thus, vitamins won't give you more "pep" or make you gain fat.

Myth: Vitamins are like over-the-counter medicines.
Fact: Though vitamins are often sold in drug stores and can be prescribed, "the only illness that vitamins cure is the lack of vitamins." The myth of vitamins' "miraculous qualities" probably began because they have worked well in vitamin deficiency diseases, such as scurvy and beriberi (Vitamin Basics).

Myth: If you are under a lot of stress, you should take a specially formulated vitamin to fight stress.
Fact: Normal stress does not increase your need for vitamins. Only under extreme physical stress, such as severe illness or surgery, might extra vitamins be required.

Myth: Vitamin B12 supplements help prevent you from feeling "run down."
Fact: There is no scientific proof that B12 can prevent fatigue, except in severe cases of pernicious anemia. Most people store many years worth of B12 in their livers, so additional supplements are unnecessary. " - http://fcs.tamu.edu/health/Health_Education_Rural_Outre...s_Health_or_Hoax.htm (Texas Cooperative Extension and Texas A&M University System)

The B-Vitamins are water soluble, therefore Vitamin B12 in excess is excreted. However, Vitamin B6, unlike the other water soluble vitamins, can be toxic in large amounts because it is stored in muscle tissue.

amethyst, you rock. I love facts.

Thanks Brigitte! I think you offer good information on the forum too . You seem to have a good understanding of things.

Thank you, I try. I want everyone to experience the freedom I have.

good luck to all!

Hello All!
Thanks for this interesting discussion. I too love myths v. facts. I will say that to me, Vitamin B has made a difference. However, B-6 can be toxic in large amounts as was mentioned. So everyone, be careful!

LC-I would not go so far as to say that Vitamin B will take care of all that Prozac might. I do think, however, that drugs can be avoided. I was taking a daily low-dose of Ativan for 2 months and just two days ago cut it completely. Here's my equation for freedom from anxiety: The Program (Lessons 3 and 7 specifically) + Vitamin B + daily exercise + challenging your fears - artificial sugar, caffeine, and chocolate= freedom. Hope that helps!

Amethyst, while you have every right posting what you do, and I'm not here to disagree with you, there are two schools here...one that believes vitamins/minerals help...and others that think they don't do much. Clearly you are with the later, which is fine. However, there are MANY studies that prove vitamins/antioxidents, clean the damaged cells in your body. Perhaps the vitamins themselves don't give energy, but if they allow your body to work properly, and "tune up", the result is more energy, and a better functioning body. It is always better to get the vitamins directly from your food...however, vitamins are an excellent supplement for maintaining a healthy life.

Rick,

I agree with you all the way. At the same time, I think it's unfortunate that so many are not willing to examine the reality of the positive effect supplements/vitamins/minerals have on those deciding to go the natural route. Foods are the most important source of vitamins and minerals and supplements have their place too.

Many here have a personal experience with B vitamins and they do help with restoring the body and as a result gain energy. It is not some "imagined" result that thousands upon thousands of people talk themselves into believing.
They really do work.

I take them myself and have gained alot from them.

I went to my doc last thurday and she told me to take Vitamin B and E por my PMS. I started taking Vitamin B 2 weeks ago and now I just started taking vitamin E. I'm also taking Primal Defense (probiotics). They are supposed to help also.

Hi Rick:
Thanks for reading over the information I provided. Let me address some things you brought up. I don't mean this in an argumentative way, just informative for those interested.

I understand that there are people who believe that supplements are beneficial to them. In regards to vitamins and energy, I don't see it as two schools of thought. I see it instead as you either follow science or you don't. If you choose to not follow the scientific process, then that is your choice, however, to consider something as a "scientific fact" it has to follow the scientific process. The B-Vitamins are cofactors or cosubstrates of enzymes in metabolism. However, vitamins are micronutrients, meaning they are needed only in small quantities. If someone has a vitamin deficiency, then yes they may feel weak and fatigued. But, most people do not have deficiencies. Eating a balanced diet will provide you with what you need. So if you are eating a balanced diet and are not deficient in the nutrient then consuming more is not going to affect your energy level because vitamins have no caloric value.

Yes, there has been a lot of research on antioxidants and the like. That is why health professionals recommend eating lots of fruits and vegetables. But supplements are a whole other subject and remember that more does not mean better. There is controversy between professionals on whether to take antioxidant supplements or not (Stipanuk, 2000). But it is critical to understand that antioxidants behave differently at various intake levels. If eaten through diet alone, they act as antioxidants. However, at pharmacological doses that are typical of supplements, they may act as pro-oxidants, stimulating the production of free radicals. There was a study done in determining if Vitamin E, beta-carotene, or both could reduce the incidence of lung cancer in smokers. After 5-8 yrs of supplementation there was not a reduction in the number of people with lung cancer in those consuming the vitamins. Instead, there was an increased incidence of lung cancer among those ingesting the beta-carotene supplement. This was a surprising finding, considering previous epidemiological studies showed an association between high beta-carotene intake and low lung cancer rates. This illustrates why it is important to have a variety of studies and replication of the studies (Whitney & Rolfes, 1996). (the pro-oxidant topic is also discussed by Stipanuk)

Also the B-Vitamins are not antioxidants- just wanted to clarify that.

Taking a standard multi-vitamin/mineral supplement from a reliable source, with nutrients below or at the RDA probably isn't a big deal. So that would be a fairly safe choice. But supplements beyond that are a different story. There are conditions in which supplements are needed, but your doctor or registered dietitian will determine this.

There is continuous research going on in regards to nutrients and health. There are subjects that are controversial, while others are not. Some people are premature in their recomindations for supplement use, but obviously people can choose to ingest what they want.

REFERENCE
Whitney, Eleanor Noss & Rolfes, Sharon Rady (1996). Understanding Nutrition. St. Paul, MN:
West Publishing Company.

Stipanuk, Martha H. (2000). Biochemical and Physiological Aspects of Human Nutrition. USA: W.B. Saunders Company.

Credibility of sources: They are nutrition textbooks used in colleges accredited by the American Dietetic Association.

GabbyVeg,

I also take Primal Defense and it is the only thing that has kept my colitis in remission !!!
It's really a wonderful supplement. I have recommended this supplement to an aunt of mine who also has colitis and for the first time in years, she is able to come off her medication.
She also feels wonderful!

I feel blessed to have such wonderful supplements when all other means fail.

Amethyst,
I don't think anyone is disputing that a healthy diet is most important. The fact is that people suffering from disorders, diseases and chronic conditions can be helped by supplements. This is a wonderful thing. Supplements are not mean to replace a healthy diet, they are meant to supplement a healthy diet. When a persons doctor recommends supporting your health with a supplement it doesn't need scientific evidence to prove anything. If it makes a person feel better that's all that matters. Things are not always so black and white in the scientific community either. You are right, it's a matter of choice. People should be supported no matter what route they decide to take, especially if it's working for them and making them feel better.