Pill talk - Letter to the Editor

Vegetarian Times, Oct, 2003

I enjoyed Curtis James' article, "Supplement Savvy" (August 2003). I am always interested in reading about supplements specifically geared toward the health-conscious vegan or vegetarian. One thing that I find particularly frustrating is the lack of choice and availability of supplements in vegetarian-capsule form. I search high and low for vitamin E, flax oil and evening primrose oil encased in vegi-cap form. Moreover, other non-capsule formulas rarely state clearly that they are "suitable for vegetarians." An article highlighting the companies that cater to vegan and vegetarian supplement users would be very handy indeed.

Claire Charlton

Via email

As a clinical dietitian, I was glad to see the article "Supplement Savvy" in the August 2003 VT. Even the most experienced vegetarians can benefit from reminders about the workings and sources of essential vitamins and minerals. One interesting tidbit could have been added, however, especially for vegan readers: that vitamin A comes in two categories--one vegetarian and one animal-derived. Beta-carotene, derived only from plants, is a powerful antioxidant with amazing powers to promote health. Retinol, vitamin A palmitate and vitamin A acetate--found in most multivitamins--are all derived from animals and have been correlated with liver failure, and oddly, hip fractures. These last three are actually a truncated form of beta-carotene, a beautiful symmetrical molecule. Not only is this knowledge important, it is also a striking example of the power of vegetarianism!

John Barber

Via email