Let's promote a healthy 2026! This newsletter will be dedicated to a discussion on vitamins. I am not a nutritionist, or a physician, but a patient who hopes that my experiences will help you decide what supplements may be right for you. For years, I did not include vitamins in my daily routine. When we were planning a family I took prenatal vitamins, and my children were given a multivitamin with fluoride until they were twelve years old. But I always believed a balanced diet would provide me with the nutrients my body needed.

I changed my mind as I aged, since I realized I could not tolerate imbalances, or deficiencies, and finding the right supplements became a goal. Last spring my bloodwork revealed low iron levels, and the condition was severe enough for my physician to recommend iron infusions since I was not absorbing the iron. I was not anxious to do this. I asked if I could eat spinach and try an iron supplement. He agreed to reevaluate in a few months if I wanted to try this approach. I like spinach and eat it regularly but had a problem taking a vitamin with iron. I tried several, even the ones prescribed by the doctor and a chewable for children. I experienced a headache within minutes of taking the vitamins and later had GI problems because of them. The side effects were intolerable, and I resigned myself to the fact that I may have to get intravenous iron.

Then I found my vitamin solution from an unlikely source, my dermatologist. He recommended "Untangled", for thinning hair, but it also has iron, and I take it without the undesirable side effects. I was happy he recommended it. "Untangled" has a100% daily dose of iron and lacks the excessive amounts of fat-soluble vitamins found in many advertised hair supplements.

Did you know fat-soluble vitamins can accumulate in your system and be detrimental if taken long-term? Vitamins such as B and C are water soluble, and any excess will move through your system. But the fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E, and K, will accumulate in your liver and fatty tissues and reach unhealthy levels over time. Vitamins are not regulated, and some of the advertised formulas can help with hair but are not good for you. Anything over 100% of vitamin A, D, E, or K, is not recommended for long term use. My advice is to bring your vitamins to your physician and ask him what he thinks.

If you are stressed, fatigued, or have trouble sleeping, you may have a deficiency and taking the right vitamin could improve the way you feel. I now take the "Untangled" vitamins and a magnesium gummy every day. My iron is in the normal range, and I have seen improvements in my hair. I should also mention how easy it is to go to my dermatologist. He is around 30 years old and the handsomest doctor I have ever seen (TV doctors included.) Maybe I should include a dermatologist in an upcoming novel!

Recent articles

Untangled Ordered on Amazon

Have you read any romance novels lately? Let me know if you have a favorite. I would be happy to read and review it.

By the way, last week's pretty winter scene was from a plastic plate! I always admire attractive disposable items. What ever happened to decorative paper towels? I miss them and would pay extra for this simple pleasure. I also apologize for the annoying autoresponder every time you send me an email. I believe it is now disabled. Stay healthy, take your vitamins, and I will be in touch next Sunday. Best wishes, Joanne