The Great Vitamin Debate

I want to clear up once and for all just how worthwhile it is to invest in whole food rather than synthetic vitamins. Few people, even among those who supplement heavily, are truly aware of the difference. I am myself am "guilty" of using primarily synthetic vitamins; for me it is a matter of basic economics (whole food vitamins are considerably more expensive and not as easily available). I think we would all benefit from a discussion as to whether and to what extent using one over the other makes a difference.

For the view that whole food vitamins are better than synthetic ones, which are either severely limited in their benefits, altogether useless or sometimes even counterproductive and dangerous, go here:

http://www.mercola.com/2005/jan/19/whole_f...supplements.htm
http://www.munising.com/vitamins.html
http://www.naturallydirect.net/News-1001-W...ood-Secrets.htm
http://chetday.com/naturalvitamin.htm


The "medical establishment" however has a different view:

"Not synthetic" is just an excuse to charge exorbitant prices. Vitamins are chemical compounds and are exactly the same regardless of how they are prepared. Even in the unlikely event that all the vitamin ingredients are from natural sources, the multiple chemical processes required to purify and concentrate them would render the vitamins essentially "synthetic."
http://www.quackwatch.org/11Ind/lapre.html

Using Carmex on Accutane

I just bought some Carmex today to use instead of Vaseline on my lips.

I notice it includes salicylic acid among its ingredients-- ordinarily I would avoid salicylic acid while on Accutane, as with any AHA/BHA.

Anyone here using Carmex-- do you recommend it?

Beta Carotene Safe on Accutane

I want to take an oral supplement that helps fair-skinned people to safely and effectively tan. I've used this before and know from past experience that it actually works and very powerfully so; also I am aware that sun exposure should be limited on Accutane and that's fine too as 30-60 minutes a day is sufficient for it to work. It's 100% safe and 100% natural BUT... one of the primary ingredients is beta carotene; specifically in the amount of 90mg per day. Beta carotene is converted as necessary by the body into vitamin A. As you probably know, vitamin A intake must be strictly regulated while on Accutane. However, with beta carotene itself I'm not as sure...

Do you think this is safe to take with Accutane, bearing in mind the vitamin A connection between them? I'll consult my derm at any rate but would like to know what you think.

Beta-Carotene & Accutane?

There's a special oral supplement I have access to; it's 100% safe, 100% natural, I've used it before and I know firsthand that it WORKS. What it does is help even the fairest skinned people to get a nice golden tan with limited sun exposure over just a week or two.

Only thing is, one of the primary ingredients is beta-carotene, which is converted as necessary by the body to vitamin A. It is not the same as taking straight vitamin A because with beta-carotene the body 'self-regulates' the amount it deems necessary to convert, so it's basically impossible (at least with dosages in the supplement) to overdose.

Nevertheless, I'm just wondering what you all think as to its suitability for supplementation alongside Accutane. I will of course confirm any such supplementation with my dermatologist, as anyone should, but I just wanted to know what you all think about it.

P.S. The supplement is taken 6 capsules per day with each capsule containing 15mg beta carotene among other ingredients which should be neutral in any interaction with isotretinoin. So that's 90mg of beta-carotene per day. My concern is with the beta-carotene owing to its connection with vitamin A and the fact that vitamin A intake must be regulated whilst on Accutane (itself being essentially a controlled form of vitamin A poisoning).

Inside of Nose is SO dry on Accutane

The inside of my nose is so dry on Accutane. It gets all dry and snotty... and... I know this sounds gross, but... I basically feel this irresistable urge like I need to pick the shit out of my nose ALL THE TIME. Er, hope that didn't sound too weird. Anyhow, I don't like picking my nose; I don't WANT to pick my nose. So...

What do you guys suggest I do about this?