This is an upfront blog about the changing nature of micronutrient supply within New Zealand. How amazing that we have reached this stage and are about to change the way research-based micronutrients are supplied to the consumer/customer/patient/client
The clinical strength formula of Daily Essential Nutrients is becoming prescription only, this has come as a great shock to many people. I was waiting with great interest to see how it would be received and many of you have been extremely passionate about it. I know this because my current clients are saying the same thing
There are a few reasons why this is in the pipeline, New Zealand’s dietary supplement regulations date back to 1985 and are now considered outdated by many in the field. Micronutrients are a specific blend of high dose vitamin and mineral supplements proven to be beneficial for mental health and well-being. The research is there and New Zealand is at the forefront of this, which is incredible
Prescription only means your GP will need to write a prescription and in my view also take clinical responsibility for this. This is where we could come across problems. All GP’s are under great strain with an aging population, lack of adequate funding for the work they do, increased workloads and a lack of GP’s right across our country
Will your GP write you a prescription for clinical strength micronutrients?
Will you discuss with your GP how well you are coping on micronutrients?
Will it be funded fully or partly or not at all?
Will they understand the dosing requirements and be interested in completing the scientist micronutrient training?
Will you feel comfortable saying you are less anxious, less tearful, have more energy, have less brain fog, less depressed, are reacting to stress way better than you ever have before, also that your children and teenagers are coping better with ADHD and mood swings. Will it be a situation of the GP knowing you wanted to go away and try a few other options before starting on anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications? I think for most people this is the situation, other people have just said an outright no to these options
In some cases a low dose anti-psychotic is given for stress, anxiety and sleep problems. Low doses are the starting point. My part time work in mental health exposes me to the opposite end of this scale and one I am grateful to learn from and where I receive a great deal of satisfaction helping people
Currently I may be able to supply the weaker strength formula of micronutrients from the same manufacturer. The small variations should put myself and other’s in a good position to be able to continue to provide micronutrients to people if suitable. I have noticed that we are becoming more and more nutrient deficient, more people are saying they needed a vitamin B12 injection at the doctor more than ever before
Am I a little worried – yes I am, however I am also excited for what this may bring. It is certainly rocking the boat out there. There needs to be more options for those facing medications that are known to cause side-effects. I am pleased to see more discussion in health around how long someone should be on an anti-depressant and it isn’t forever. They were intended to help you through a rough patch just as omeprazole was given for digestive conditions not just those complaining of indigestion. On that note it is common knowledge that antacids also contribute to nutrient deficiencies particularly B12
I am hoping that those people that need to be at a GP to discuss their mental health will do this and that I will be able to provide the lower and very effective dose to those that do not need clinical input. The lower strength was recently used in the maternal mental health and depression study in New Zealand with amazing results
I suggest starting to let your GP know what is in the pipeline, ultimately I am really not sure they are going to take it onboard. Over thirty years in health leads me to be a bit biased
As I’ve mentioned in other posts ‘let’s see where this goes’
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