Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 2/16/2008

Question
Hi Dr Conner,
 
Hope you have a great day.
I'm 36/Male, generally healthy except for sinus and had depression in the past.
 I take 4 vitamins : one multi-vitamin, Vitamin B (each vitamin B complex is about 300% RDA value) , Vitamin C - 500 mg and Co-enzyme Q-10.
Is this too much? Should I cut down? Is this too much for my kidneys to process? If I don't take Vitamin B or multi-vitamin, I feel tired for the whole day. Thanks.
I hope this question is within your expertise.

Hoping for a favourable reply.
God bless.

Wes

Answer
Hello Wes,
Thanks for your question.  It is often confusing to know what is best for your health, and there's much conflicting information.  So it's great that you are looking to be proactive in your health.  For the most individualized information, I would suggest consulting a holistic doc or naturopathic doc (www.naturopathic.org).  They would be able to do full assessment on your whole health and set you up to prevent chronic health conditions now, while you are still in a good position to do so.  You may want to especially look at the reasons for being tired without the supplements.  While a multivitamin and B complex can be taken safely for long-term, you do want to make sure that you have ruled out any underlying conditions first.  The vitamin C in that amount if usually very safe, and Co Q10 is typically very safe also, in the range of 30-120 mg a day (any higher than that, it is still safe but may not be needed for just prevention).  For someone with normal kidney function, this is a reasonable amount (I can't tell for sure if you have normal kidney function without completing a history and lab testing, but nothing you mention indicates compromised kidney function).  
Beyond supplements, there is much you can do to stay healthy:  exercise, restful sleep, stress management, organic & whole foods diet, no smoking or substance abuse.  So as long as you have a good foundation for health, supplements provide an extra preventative measure, but remember that they cannot substitute for a healthy lifestyle.  
In health,
Dr Conner