In a message dated 10/11/00 8:08:58 AM, Patti <[log in to unmask]
writes:

Maddy Mason wrote:

<< > there is something secreted by the intestine called intrinsic
> factor, without which no amount of the vitamin can be absorbed or utilized
by the body >>

Could something like this also cause problems in even being able to
tolerate
taking a supplement?  After a bone scan my doc recommend I take a
calcium
supplement.  In short, I tried several different brands, kinds and
combinations of calcium and magnesium.  It all made me sick, weak and
faint.
All brands were gluten free as I'm celiac with neurological symptoms
so that
wasn't the problem.  My first thought (after it made me sick, duh) was
that
because supplements must be chemically processed some how,
(right?),...
maybe that's the problem alone.  After this experiment gone bad, I'll
take
my chances without the cal/mag supplement and stick to real food as
before.
I'm still curious as to why or what the problem was.  Could it have to
do
with this intrinsic factor (I've never heard of this) or something
else
altogether...any thoughts? >>

I am not a medical professional, but I do believe intrinsic factor is
specific to Vitamin B 12. However, there are countless other
intestinal
problems which can interfere with the absorption and utilization of
numerous
other nutritional factors. The first thought that comes to mind is
that most
supplements, but especially minerals, must be taken with food. I made
the
mistake of taking some minerals on an empty stomach, and was horribly
sick
for hours.
The issue with osteoporosis is very complicated, and simply taking
calcium
supplements does not make it go away, as evidenced by the fact that
this
country has one of the highest rates of osteoporosis in the Western
world,
along with one of the highest rates of calcium consumption. I am not
offering
any answers here, just stating that the problem is complicated. I
found the
Eades' newest book, The Protein Power Lifeplan offers a lot of
valuable
information about "leaky gut syndrome" which can lead to many
vitamin/mineral
deficiencies. Also, stomach acid production is another controversial
issue
which some say can be responsible for malabsorption, nausea from
taking
supplements, as well as a host of other problems. You might find the
following article informative: <A
HREF="http://www.powerhealth.net/selected_articles.htm">Selected
Articles</A>

Hope that helps.
Maddy Mason
Hudson Valley, NY