Supplements: Learn how to store them and how to take them for the best results. Proper storage of nutrients is vital to maintain potency for our patients. It’s also vital that you follow a few simple rules when taking them as well, for the best results.
Patients need to know that our individualized compounded nutrients should only be stored in a cool dry place.
Never store your compounded advanced nutrient therapy supplements in their refrigerator or inside a medicine cabinet in the bathroom. This will lessen the potency of the nutrients. There is too much moisture in a bathroom, and this will degrade the potency of your compounded advanced nutrient therapy. Supplements kept in the refrigerator will also be degraded because every time you open a refrigerated container condensation will occur. This exposes your supplements to moisture and reduces shelf life. If you have already begun storing your three-month supply of supplements in the refrigerator, you need to let the container come to room temperature before you open it. This will ensure that condensation does not cause your capsules to become exposed to moisture.
How to Take Compounded Supplements When They Need to be Opened
Do not put open your capsules into hot foods as it will denature them. Denaturing destroys the characteristic properties of the compounded nutrients and disrupts their molecular conformation. Do not open your capsules in hot oatmeal, hot chocolate, or spaghetti sauce, for example. These foods will destroy the effectiveness and potency of your nutrients.
If you need to open capsules because you or the patient you care for cannot swallow them, there are options you can try. Apple sauce is a good alternative. Anything icy and cold will numb the taste buds if a taste is an issue. A lemon sorbet is a very good option. A dairy-free ice cream is also an option. In general, we do not recommend dairy products. When you open capsules into a food source designed to mask the taste, just remember to mix a small spoonful with your capsule contents. This will insure that they are taking the whole program and that nothing is going to waste. Don’t mix the compounded supplements into the entire smoothie cup. Take a little bit out so that you are ensuring they get the full dose of their AM or PM compound. Then go ahead and give them the rest of the smoothie after they’ve taken their full dose in a spoonful.
You can also try the following special recipe that was donated by a patient’s mother several years ago.
Easy Mensah Medical Compliance Recipe
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons Spreadable Fruit (Sorrell Ridge or Polaner Brands for best results)
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon lemon juice (lemon will hide the bitter taste)
Directions:
Mix all ingredients together and add compounded powder from the prescribed AM or PM dose.
Julie Galvan, RN, and Kim Jakubek, RN
Julie Galvan, RN
, came to Mensah Medical in 2012. Julie was Dr. Mensah’s primary nurse at the original Pfeiffer Treatment Center (now closed) where she worked with Dr. Mensah and William Walsh, PhD, on the original protocols for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Julie is extremely knowledgeable in the methodology and practices used at Mensah Medical. Julie earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Lewis University in Romeoville, IL. She and her husband, Andy, have three children and two grandchildren.
Kim Jakubek, RN,
came to Mensah Medical after 17 years at the original Pfeiffer Treatment Center (now closed). A graduate of Triton College in River Grove, IL, Kim brings her experience, understanding, and dedication to build trust and enhance the quality of care for each Mensah Medical patient. Kim is compassionate, warm and calm. She is a great comfort to patients because she has the ability to relate and empathize with them. In her free time, Kim enjoys the company of her four children and her six grandchildren.