People with addictions to alcohol and drugs may be considered some of the most under-nourished and nutrient deficient populations in healthcare. Treatments for these groups typically involve pharmacotherapy (medications), counseling support services, and perhaps acupuncture (depending on the treatment center). The use of supplemental vitamins and minerals for these patients generally falls under the area of diet and perhaps rest, instead of actually advising them on “adequate” nutritional supplementation. Research suggests that specific vitamins may actually be used as an “add-on” treatment (similar to medications) for these individuals irrespective of whether a person is deficient or not. For example, the B-vitamin niacin (B3) is typically used by physicians to improve cholesterol levels in patients and not for the prevention or treatment of vitamin B3 deficiency. Moreover, evidence also suggests that nutritionalr without a statement regarding upper safe limits.

As has been stated in previous communication with the US CODEX delegation, there is an assumption that there is a problem that needs to be fixed. Exactly what are the documented side effects of food supplements consumed in high doses and what is their incidence in the general population? Is CODEX protecting two percent of the mega-dose vitamin E users from headaches, or what? Would the establishment of an “upper limit” be expected to eliminate or just reduce the occurrence of side effects?

The CODEX Draft notes that the Codex Guidelines for Vitamin and Mineral Supplements will not, in any way, adversely affect the availability of safe and truthfully labeled supplement products in the US marketplace or to US consumers. While this sentence is encouraging to consumers of food supplements, it is incomplete. There are other concerns regarding the effect of CODEX.