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So what is ‘expensive urine’?

July 7th, 2010

We are discussing why experts say not to supplement our diet. In my first post I discussed the quality, or lack there of, of the modern diet. I also said that there were three main reasons experts stated for not supplementing our diet. The first reason was that supplements gave us ‘expensive urine’. So what do experts mean by ‘expensive urine’?

I believe that they are referring to the bodies excretion of water soluble vitamins into the urine. The body does this to protect itself from problems related to overdose and toxicity. More to the point, I believe, they are talking about B vitamins.

The B vitamins are eight water-soluble vitamins that play important roles in cell metabolism. All B vitamins are water-soluble, and are dispersed throughout the body. Most of the B vitamins must be replenished regularly, since any excess is excreted in the urine. This is what causes your urine to turn bright yellow when supplementing with the B vitamins.

So you might be thinking, if I take B vitamins and my body is just going to pee them out, why should I take B vitamins?

• Well first of all, unless you are eating a diet rich in B vitamins (refer to my first post about how great our diets are), then you are more than likely not getting enough B vitamins.
• Next, some groups of people have a higher need for B vitamins than others. Some of these groups are women (for hormone production), athletes (for energy production) and the elderly (support the nervous system).
• Lastly, it is because our body does not store B vitamins, but has a constant need for B vitamins, that we should supplement.

So this is the other side of the ‘expensive urine’ argument. Ask you doctor if taking B vitamins might be harmful for you (people taking Parkinson’s medication need to especially be careful). He will probably tell you it’s a waste of money, but ask if it’s harmful.

Back in a few days.

Entry Filed under: nutrition,supplement