[fat_wilhelm]

Anyone use 'em?

It seems that a number of college strength and conditioning coaches are big on these. Specifically, 1st Step multi and B12 are popular. Thoughts?

[MikeMartial]

I've tried various brands in the past, but honestly, I didn't really see the difference, other than in the pocket book. I think the whole idea behind liquid vitamins is faster absorption, and possibly higher quality (brand dependent).

IMO it's much the same as fish oil; liquid costs more, has potential to spoil (I'm unsure on how stable liquid vitamins are), but is generally of a higher quality.

Do any of these coaches gives reasoning (anecdotal or evidential) as to why they are using liquid vitamins? I'd be curious. Generally speaking , some of the best advice comes from collegiate-level athletes and coaches.

[Monger]

I think it's mostly about the superior absorption rate. I don't think it's worth it though... Call me old school but I believe that if you need a better absorbing vitamin supplement you also need a better diet.

[fat_wilhelm]

Originally Posted by MikeMartial

I've tried various brands in the past, but honestly, I didn't really see the difference, other than in the pocket book. I think the whole idea behind liquid vitamins is faster absorption, and possibly higher quality (brand dependent).

IMO it's much the same as fish oil; liquid costs more, has potential to spoil (I'm unsure on how stable liquid vitamins are), but is generally of a higher quality.

Do any of these coaches gives reasoning (anecdotal or evidential) as to why they are using liquid vitamins? I'd be curious. Generally speaking , some of the best advice comes from collegiate-level athletes and coaches.

I'm not sure about reasoning. I brought it up because I interviewed with Michigan's Strength and Conditioning department yesterday, and in preparation, I had been watching interviews w/ new head S&C coach, Mike Barwis, who is about as highly regarded as they come in the field.

When asked about nutrition during one of the interviews, he specifically mentioned two things... PWO chocolate milk and 1st Step liquid multi and B12. When I looked up 1st step, I noticed here that other coaches give the stuff to their teams, as well, including LSU and OSU, two teams that just got done playing for the national championship. Barwis, as you may know, was at West Virginia until recently and we all know what the Mountaineers did to Oklahoma in their bowl game.

Coincidence? Probably, but it got me thinking.

[PoppaKap]

From the November 2002 UC Berkeley Wellness Letter:

Stick to your vitamin/mineral pills. They're cheaper and better. According to Dr. Richard Herrier at the University of Arizona's College of Pharmacy, there's no evidence that vitamins and minerals in liquid form are superior. For one thing, just because they're liquid does not necessarily mean they are better absorbed. Anyway, the acidity of the stomach dissolves most tablets so there's no reason to pay extra or expect extra benefits from liquid vitamins. Plus, there's no way to know if the liquid supplement is the equivalent of the tablet form. The only reason to take a liquid is if you have a hard time chewing or swallowing a tablet. Pediatricians also prescribe them for infants.


Dr. Loyd Allen, editor of the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding, adds that though some liquid vitamins are well formulated, others may not be as stable. In pill form, vitamins have a longer shelf life. Also, liquid vitamins are more likely to contain sugar or other ingredients to disguise a bad taste.


When shopping for vitamins, look for "USP" on the label. This means the product should meet the standards of the U.S. Pharmacopeia, including one for disintegration. Most brand-name vitamins aren't labeled USP, because the manufacturers prefer to guarantee the products via the brand names. Generic or store brands are more often labeled USP, and are cheaper anyway.
A third alternative is powdered vitamins, but they are less convenient than pills and provide no extra benefits.

[Fedorable]

B12 is slang for steroids in some circles.

[Tamil]

For me, I have a difficult time swallowing pills, and sometimes I'd just throw it right back up. I've switched to liquids and I'm very happy with them. I just don't do well with pills.

Although, I bought some liquid cod oil, I think I'm heading for some trouble...I hope the orange flavor pulls through *hopes*.

EDIT: crap, just read the last paragraph of Sherdogger's Guide to Fish Oil.

*looks at Vitamins A & D*

Shit, that's a lot. Guess I'll return this tomorrow...

[Goth_Judoka]

I tried this, and I didn't really notice any sort of difference, when compared when I was taking it in pill form.

[MikeMartial]

Originally Posted by Tamil

Although, I bought some liquid cod oil, I think I'm heading for some trouble...I hope the orange flavor pulls through *hopes*.

EDIT: crap, just read the last paragraph of Sherdogger's Guide to Fish Oil.

*looks at Vitamins A & D*

Shit, that's a lot. Guess I'll return this tomorrow...

Before you return it, what's the breakdown of the Vit A, Vit D, EPA, and DHA per dose? I'm curious---I do remember seeing a liquid cod liver oil that had really decent amounts of EPA/DHA; it must have been concentrated.

[Ian Coe]

Originally Posted by fat_wilhelm

I'm not sure about reasoning. I brought it up because I interviewed with Michigan's Strength and Conditioning department yesterday, and in preparation, I had been watching interviews w/ new head S&C coach, Mike Barwis, who is about as highly regarded as they come in the field.

When asked about nutrition during one of the interviews, he specifically mentioned two things... PWO chocolate milk and 1st Step liquid multi and B12. When I looked up 1st step, I noticed here that other coaches give the stuff to their teams, as well, including LSU and OSU, two teams that just got done playing for the national championship. Barwis, as you may know, was at West Virginia until recently and we all know what the Mountaineers did to Oklahoma in their bowl game.

Coincidence? Probably, but it got me thinking.

WAR CHOCOLATE MILK