Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: calling Heather if possible

Hi Barb - I honestly don't know why it would be a bad idea to take a vitamin and/or mineral supplement with food, or with a soluble fiber supplement. You'd normally be getting both vitamins and minerals from the food you eat, and those foods would often have fiber in them. There are a few vitamins/minerals that can block or enhance the absorption of each other (like calcium and iron). But it sounds kinda wacky that no vitamins should be taken with minerals, and that neither should be taken with soluble fiber. Your body is a very efficient machine at digesting what you feed it - it will extract the vitamins and minerals and carbs that are embedded within the cellular walls (aka the fiber) of plant foods, leaving the fiber itself undigested. It's hard to believe that it wouldn't digest a vitamin/mineral supplement that you're simply swallowing at the same time as a soluble fiber supplement.

I've read that B vitamin deficiencies can cause skin problems, including acne. Zinc has sometimes been implicated here as well. But honestly, I don't think this is likely to be the most successful approach. Too many folks have lousy, junk food diets and good skin - while others have fabulous diets and skin problems. They're just not always directly connected. Acne needs oil, bacteria, and hormonal fluctuations - the best way to prevent/control it is to address one or two or even all three of these areas. Best way to do that is with a good dermatologist - especially one who specializes in cosmetic dermatology, as they'll be well abreast of the latest treatments. There are so many medical lotions, potions, lasers, and drugs for acne now that a good doc should definitely be able to help your daughter. Acne also tends to run in cycles - break the cycle, get her skin clear, and it will be more likely to stay that way.

Please let me know what other info you find, and how she's doing.

Best,
Heather

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Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!

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