I take a multi-vitamin and drink a protein shake daily. My vitamin markers are way over. Is this ok?
I take Centrum Silver and drink a KaChava shake most days. My vitamin markers are all over 100%. Is this okay?
Answers
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As I understand it, yes. Your body uses what it needs and disposes of the rest. As a general rule, RDA values are set to avoid deficiency, but our bodies typically need more to function optimally. I take the 100% as a minimum value, not a maximum, when it comes to vitamin and minerals. Obviously this varies from mineral to mineral and person to person.
For example, US RDA for Vitamin D is 400 IU. That value was set decades ago to fend off Rickets. Many professionals now believe we need 10x or 20x that for our bodies to function optimally.
I'm not giving you medical advice on what you should do. I'm merely telling you what decisions I've made for myself.
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There is also the question of absorption rates of the individual elements. You will find discussion of when to take a multi vitamin and even debate about the value versus aiming for specific supplements
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It's best not to have more than one a day.
Ka'Chava protein shakes can contain heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic, as has been found in independent tests of various protein powders, particularly plant-based and chocolate-flavored ones.
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It depends on how over you are the RDA thresholds and which vitamin. Some are water-soluble, some are stored in fat. Yes, you can have a toxic level of vitamins. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/poison/multiple-vitamin-overdose
You might not need the Centrum supplement. I think it's worth sharing your data with a registered nutritionist. Just have one or two consultations. Also keep in mind that if you take biotin for example, this could change your lab results for cardiac markers. I think vitamin K also for people on blood thinners.
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I’ve noticed similar spikes when logging drinks too sometimes the added vitamins in shakes push totals way up. I started checking specific drink calories and nutrients with this to see how ingredients add up more accurately. It’s been helpful for keeping my log realistic.


