Questions to CS

Hi Caustic
I have a few questions regarding supplements if you don't mind answering:

- I just bought the life extension "Triple action cruciferous vegetable extract" (basically it's broccoli, I3C, watercress, DIM and apigenin). How does it compare to Chasteberry?

- I also bought the life extension Vitamin D3 with sea-iodine. Each capsule contains 5,000 IU. Is it too much vitamin D knowing that I also take Dr Mercola's multi-vitamin (for 8 pills each day, I get 5,000 IU - So, with the LEF, it's 10,000 IU every day)?

- I'm taking Dr Mercola's whey - How could I improve protein's metabolism/digestion to gain muscle mass (apart from weight-training!!)? What supplements would you recommend?

As always, many thanks for your time!

Malik - 10,000 IU is probably okay during the winter time, however if you get plenty of sun during the summer, you may want to reduce down a few thousand IUs.

For body building, a good quality protein such as what you're using with additional fat would allow the body to build the body so that the protein can be used to build instead of a sole fuel source.

Thank you Caustic.

Your forgot my first question. :-))
What about the LEF "Triple action cruciferous vegetable extract" that has some effects on estrogen metabolism and cell division, and the Chasteberry that your have on your current regimen page? Do they have the same effects or are they really different? Should I also consider taking Vitex?

Malik,

Vitex works to lower prolactin in high doses (800mg and up as far as I remember), and DIM lowers "bad" estrogen (E2). So they work on two completely different hormones. I'm sure CS will chime in, but I personally would go with the DIM hands down as many of us with AGA- androgenetic alopecia, are going to have abnormally high E2. Ideally you should get some lab work done to see what your hormone levels are, including thyroid and adrenals.

Malik - jharsh80 pretty much nailed it. 400 milligrams or more of chasteberry is a good idea if prolactin is elevated.

DIM improves estrogen metabolism by increasing favorable metabolite ratios, it also inhibits DHT and MMPs.

You both are fantastic - thank you so much