Experience Licensed Naturopathic Physician for 7 years
Currently: Assistant Professor of Naturopathic Medicine, Department of CLinical Sciences, National University of Health Sciences, Lombard, IL
Organizations American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Secretary and member of Illinois Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Education/Credentials Bastyr University, doctor of naturopathic medicine
University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine, residency in family and integrated medicine
Question After a NutraEval evaluation, it was indicated that I should
take larger supplements of some of my vitamins and minerals,
which seems fine except for the extra Mg which seems to the
the culprit for diarrhea. I have headaches and sometimes
feel weaker after taking the amino acids: Glycine 1034,
Histadine 751 (my chin was itchy and I got a little wheezy
after taking that one yesterday), Isoleucine 245, Lysine,
724, Methionine 173, and Taurine 463. I have been taking
the Lysine and Isoleucine (in a branched formula)on rising,
Vitamins and minerals with a little breakfast, and the rest
of the amino acids in the afternoon, with the exception of
the methionine which I take before bed with a B12. I also
take Calcium, Mg, and D before bed. I don't know if this is
a good schedule, and also am questioning if my headaches and
sometimes sweatiness are detox or showing toxicity. Thank
you for your advice.
Answer Hello Jan,
Thanks for your question. I am not familiar with the evaluation you speak about, but I am guessing it's a comprehensive screening lab test. That can be helpful information. But if possible you may want to consult a practitioner in your area who can help you sort through the tests. I have found that often people get these tests done & get overwhelmed with taking so many supplements, while an experienced naturopathic or holistic doctor can find a pattern in the results & get to the cause. No matter what is low or high, you always want to find out how that happened, to make lasting changes.
If you are taking multiple supplements, it is a good idea to take them in divided doses. Vitamins ( esp B vitamins) & some minerals like calcium are often best absorbed in the morning, while other minerals like magnesium are better taken at night. Amino acids may be more dependent on what you are trying to do with them; for instance, 5- hydroxytryptophan is often used for sleep, so it is best taken at night. BCAAs are often used for muscle building & recovery, so are taken before & after a workout. If it's simply to replace amounts, not for a specific purpose, you probably can take them any time that is convenient.
As far as your other question, adverse effects can occur with some amino acids. Any detox or clearing reactions, should pass within a few days of taking any new supplement as long as your system is relatively healthy. If adverse effects continue, it may be a sign that you are sensitive or allergic to it, and may need to discontinue it. Toxicity may take some time to occur, and some amino acids are relatively non-toxic, but may happen sooner if you are taking large dosages.
Good luck!
Dr Conner
