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Barbara Mallut writes: > There is evidence that certain herbs, vitamins and minerals do help. Folic > acid prevents birth defects. Calcium wards off osteoporosis. Many scientists Yes and there is another risk with Folic acid, not known by many. If a person has a relatively rare but potentially catastrophic blood/neurological disease known as pernicious anemia, and takes Folic acid, the anemia will be corrected, but the neurological deficits (leading to paralysis and death) get worse. The disease is due to malabsorption of Vitamin B12 and is treated by B12 *shots* (oral B12 will not work because the patients are unable to absorb B12 through the gut). The taking of *any* herb should be cleared by a physician who knows what they are talking about. Best, Bob *********************************** ROBERT A. FINK, M. D., F.A.C.S. Neurological Surgery 2500 Milvia Street Suite 222 Berkeley, CA 94704-2636 USA Phone: (510) 849-2555 FAX: (510) 849-2557 WWW: <http://www.dovecom.com/rafink/> mailto:[log in to unmask] "Ex Tristitia Virtus" ***********************************