DEAR DR. BLONZ: What are your thoughts about spray vitamins? Are they absorbed more efficiently than pills? -- M.C., San Diego
DEAR M.C.: I don't favor spray vitamins. Nothing tops real food and the vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals they naturally contain. There may, however, be a rationale for certain uses of spray vitamins.
The vitamin B-12 in our food requires the presence of an intrinsic (internal) factor in order to be absorbed into the body, and some elderly people don't absorb B-12 effectively. One remedy is for these individuals to periodically receive vitamin B-12 injections, thus bypassing the need for the intrinsic factor. But there are reports that small amounts of B-12 can be passively absorbed through the vascular membranes in the mouth and nose. So a spray of B-12 could potentially help those who have problems with absorption of that particular vitamin, but it's questionable whether it holds any advantage for others.
There are also quality control issues to consider: knowing whether any particular brand has done the work to ensure that its product, when used as directed, will have the intended effect inside the body. And what about other vitamins and minerals? There is little evidence that these work, unless they are specially formulated.
I am unconvinced that these spray products make it into the body and offer any advantages. Those with an inability to swallow pills can rely on liquid supplements. Until there is more evidence that spray vitamins do what they claim, I say, "Why bother?"
DEAR DR. BLONZ: Can you recommend vitamin and herbal supplements for bad circulation, especially in the legs? Mine ache and feel very heavy whenever I'm standing. -- P.C., Aurora, Illinois
DEAR P.C.: What you are experiencing could be signs of a developing problem with elements of your circulatory or cardiovascular system. If so, it would be in your best interest to get to the bottom of the issue before things get worse. Check with your physician to find out what's going on before you start taking any supplements.
The remedy could involve something as basic as rest or physical therapy, in which case supplementary herbs, vitamins or minerals wouldn't do much to help.
DEAR DR. BLONZ: Is there any such thing as fat-burning foods -- those that cause more calories to be burned than they contain? -- G.G., via email
DEAR G.G.: The concept of "fat-burning foods" is a bit nonsensical. Fat gets metabolized (burned) to provide needed energy. Our body is always relying on the burning of fats, especially when it has been a couple of hours or so since our last meal (that precise length depends on what, and how much, we have eaten). The big dietary picture determines the bottom line, and given the context of an entire day's food intake, isolating a concept that specific foods cause the body to burn more calories than they contribute is tough to swallow. Foods naturally low in caloric density (calories per unit weight) tend to be those of plant origin. These should be the stars in any healthful, whole-food diet.
Send questions to: "On Nutrition," Ed Blonz, c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO, 64106. Send email inquiries to questions@blonz.com. Due to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.