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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on July 24, 2003, at 9:38:47
I found several supplements that I haven't taken in about six months when I cleaned out my medicine chest today. They're PABA, pantothenic acid, thiamine, and biotin. I believe I've read before that thiamine and biotin may be helpful with anxiety, but I'm not sure. Before I start taking any of these again, could someone tell me if they're at all useful, and if so, for what? Thanks!
~~Michael
Posted by utopizen on July 24, 2003, at 14:22:21
In reply to Any use for these supplements in psychiatry?..., posted by Ame Sans Vie on July 24, 2003, at 9:38:47
> I found several supplements that I haven't taken in about six months when I cleaned out my medicine chest today. They're PABA, pantothenic acid, thiamine, and biotin.
>Biotin is a B-Vitamin. Taking a B-Vitamin complex is important, because it helps your nervous system. By that, don't read too much into it. I mean it'll help your nervous system not get frizzy and broken, not make your personality change. B vitamin deficiencies will lead to neurological disorders.
Taking a B complex generally contains biotin, the other B's, folate, and sometimes iron (if you need that). If you've ever had to take a battery blood test exam, your doctor would tell you if you had a deficiency in any of these. If you don't have a deficiency, then taking more won't yield any benefit whatsoever in any area.
B's are important for health, but come on, why is everyone on the 'net trying to claim it gives you "energy"? Hello? That's a little optimistic.
Stick with what your doctor tells you. It's not like he gets commissions for prescribing you pills. Pens, yes, but...
Posted by Bill L on July 24, 2003, at 14:55:27
In reply to Any use for these supplements in psychiatry?..., posted by Ame Sans Vie on July 24, 2003, at 9:38:47
The only supplement that I am aware of that needs to be taken is folate (one of the B vitamins) for women of child bearing age. It can reduce the incidence of neural tube defects in the baby. The dose is 800 units per day. This is for all women, not just depressed women.
I'm not aware of any supplement that needs to be taken for depression unless one takes SAM-e. In that case, B12 and folate should be taken.
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on July 24, 2003, at 16:05:31
In reply to Re: Any use for these supplements in psychiatry?..., posted by utopizen on July 24, 2003, at 14:22:21
Thanks for the reply, I suppose I should've mentioned I already do take a B-complex--the liquid sublingual type, for optimal absorption. I've been taking that for a few months now and I personally feel my initial optimism about taking it was justified... within a few days of starting it, I began to feel much more clear headed and less fatigued.
This is the end of the thread.
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