First of all, everyone needs to be aware that “supplements are unregulated,” said Dr. Brooke Pearce.
Given that it only makes sense for your health to lay it all out on the table, if you are with the right doctor, he or she will thank you. Your doctor should be invested in your best health.
“I think a lot of time most of us do not list supplements or have a discussion with our physician about supplement interaction,” said Pearce.
If you haven’t offered this information before, it’s time to speak up with open and honest communication. “Supplements can interact with medications or have potential side effects, so it is crucial for your doctor to have a complete picture of your daily vitamin regimen. There could be potential interactions and could not be appropriate for certain individuals.”
According to Pearce, many patients take supplements to help with dizziness caused from vitamin or mineral deficiencies. “There are some really amazing supplements that work wonders for vestibular patients based on their needs”. Working with your physician to understand what supplements are necessary can have a positive impact. “The wrong supplements can play a negative role and really cause a cascade of adverse symptoms, but the correct supplements can be positive and helpful”.
What vitamin or mineral deficiencies does she often see linked to dizziness?
- Vitamin B12 Deficiencies
- Vitamin D Deficiencies
- Iron Deficiency anemia
- Vitamin C Deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency: Deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to anemia and neurological problems that include dizziness, lightheadedness, balance and coordination.
Vitamin D deficiency: Deficiency in vitamin D has been linked to symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, muscle weakness, and balance problems. There are a few studies linking this to recurrent vertigo symptoms too.
Iron deficiency anemia: Because iron is a mineral rather than a vitamin, its deficiency can lead to anemia, which may cause dizziness.
Vitamin C deficiency: Severe vitamin C deficiency can cause symptoms like fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and even muscle pain.
“It’s important to note that while these deficiencies can contribute to dizziness, there can be various other causes as well. If you are experiencing dizziness or other concerning symptoms, it is advisable to consult with your physician for a proper evaluation and diagnosis” Pearce says.
Today, standards placed on the drug industry to assure safety and efficacy are very demanding. In contrast, dietary supplements, which are often diluted drugs with similar benefits and dangers, have managed to elude the regulatory scrutiny of the FDA.*
That means the vitamins, herbs and amino acids that you casually grab off the shelves have arrived at the marketplace “without established clinical proof of safety or efficacy.”* Instead – you, the consumer, are the test bunny.
All in all, being an open book with your doctor can benefit your health.
After reading this expert insight — do you need to tell your doctor about the supplements you take?
Dr. Brooke Pearce is a vestibular health expert and co-founder of The Dizzy and Vertigo Institute of Los Angeles.
*Schindler, B. H. (1988). Where There’s Smoke There’s Fire: The Dangers of the Unregulated Dietary Supplement Industry. NYL Sch. L. Rev., 42, 261.
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