Vitamins and Supplements

by, James J. Romano, M.D.

There is no absolute list of the best vitamins and supplements to take. Every patient is different, depending on their lifestyle and individual needs. Below is a well rounded list and an excellent place to start enhancing your health and wellness. It was developed over years of consulting and research by Dr. Romano, takes these vitamins daily. Please consult your nutritionist for recommendations specific to your lifestyle. DO NOT take the vitamins on this list prior to surgery, as that list is very different and customized to our surgical program. Most importantly, all of these supplements, taken together, are cumulatively powerful in anti-aging.

For Anti-Aging

These are potent antioxidants that eliminate free radicals and help decrease the normal body inflammatory process. They are powerful in prolonging life and improving the health of your skin.

• Antioxidants: Vitamins A 15,000 units/day, D 200 units/day, E 800-1200 mg/day and C 2000 mg/day.
• Dietary Supplements: Things we do not get as much of in processed foods. Most of these can be found in a single tablet. Calcium 1200 mg/day, Magnesium 500 mg/day, Zinc 50 mg/day, Selenium 200 mcg/day, Manganese 10 mg/day and Silicon 50 mg/day.
• Essential Omega 3 Fatty Acids: These are essential for prevention of heart disease, arthritis, joint problems and immune system weakness. Flaxseed oil capsules 1000 mg/day and at least 2000 mg/day of purified O3FA.
• Coenzyme Q-10: This is potent in potentiating liver function. It helps to strengthen collagen and skin.
• Alpha Lipoic Acid: This is a very powerful antioxidant. It potentiates the effects of Vitamin C and E. It is especially useful in combination with L-Carnitine.
• MSM: This is elemental sulfur and very active in hair and nail growth and helps to strengthens the skin.

For Athletes

• These are for decreasing the joint stiffness, arthritis, aches and pains providing extra energy.
• Chondroitin and GAG: Very active in rebuilding and maintaining cartilage surfaces in joints.
• L-Carnitine: Provides energy to the cells.

Heart Protective Supplements

These are powerful in preserving healthy and vigorous, normal heart fuction. They act mostly through blood thinning and preventing plaque.

• Low dose Aspirin: 81 mg/day-baby aspirin
• Folic Acid: 800 mcg/day
• Vitamin B-6: 75 mcg/day
• Vitamin B-12: 250 mcg/day
• Garlic: Tablets or raw garlic has a protective effect on the heart, mostly through blood thinning.
• Soy Protein: An excellent protein source and is reported to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
• Ginseng and Ginko Biloba: Both have beneficial effects mostly through blood thinning.

Digestive Aids

Since food is the "medicine" and fuel of life and body fuction, it should be treated as such. The body may need these for better food by-product absorption.

• Digestive Supplements and Enzymes: Not only aid in digestion but also allow the body to access more vitamins and minerals from our foods. Pancreatin is a good example.
• Probiotics: Are a natural healthy flora of the intestinal tract to help maintain the normal bacterial balance. Acidophilus and Jarrodophilus are good example. Take one tablet per day.