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Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Does your doctor take supplements?

Have you ever asked your doctor that question?  Many people believe doctors don't take supplements/vitamins. 

In fact it is true that doctors take supplements as illustrated in a recent study of 900 specialist--300 cardiologists, 300 dermatologists and 300 orthopedists (A. Dickinson et al, 10.1186/1475-2891-10-20).

When asked if they used dietary supplements occasionally, 75% of dermatologists, 73% of orthopedists and 57% of cardiologists said yes.

When asked whether they used supplements regularly, the percentages were 59% for dermatologists, 50% for orthopedists, and 37% for cardiologists - percentages that are not significantly different from the general population. 
And the physicians surveyed were not just using the products themselves - they were recommending them to their patients.

-Multivitamins:  75% of orthopedists, 55% of cardiologists and 69% dermatologists and they agreed "It is a good idea for patients to take multivitamins."

-69% of cardiologists agreed "Adults with a family history of heart disease should consider taking dietary supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids/fish oil."

-93% of orthopedists agreed "Adults with a family history of osteoporosis or poor bone health should consider taking a calcium dietary supplement."

Most of the physicians in the study indicated that their nutrition training was inadequate and they had not received any training on the subject of dietary supplements.

So if you are using, or considering using, dietary supplements,  you are in good company.

Mary Beth Potrykus
http://www.mamabearproductions.net/
marybeth@mamabearproductions.net

*Thank you to Dr. Stephen Chaney for providing this valuable information.

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