Ask Larry:

Question: I was transferred to the night shift about six months ago and I can’t seem to get used to it. I am drowsy all the time and I have even fallen asleep while operating the machines in my department. My doctor has prescribed NUVIGIL. He didn’t tell me much about it and I haven’t had it filled yet.

Do you think this is a good plan for staying alert?

Ask Larry:

Question: My cholesterol check was 48 HDL and 199 LDL and they want me to take a drug with terrible side effects. I know it is all heredity. My diet is like a nun's and I swim 1/2 mile daily.

Ask Larry:

Question: Regarding your article on watching your intake of sweets, how much fruit is healthy when you eat it every day? I drink fresh fruit juice in the morning, fresh fruit at lunch, sometimes a second glass of fresh juice in the afternoon.

Ask Larry:

Question: I make every effort to avoid artificial sweeteners, but they seem to be everywhere. What do you think about using D-Ribose or agave products?

Larry's Response: It's good that you don't intentionally use aspartame. It is in so many products that it is worthwhile checking labels. One of our readers has reported that she went through her cabinets and pulled items that contained aspartame. Many of her previous symptoms have stopped - including her GERD.

Ask Larry:

Question: How will recent FDA regulations affect the availability of pyridoxal-5-phosphate? Will it be available by Rx? Or not at all? Will it be removed from B vitamins?

Larry's Response: This is another attempt by drug makers to wrestle safe supplements from the non-Rx arena. The action against P5P was initiated by a drug company that wants to market a version that they will sell by prescription - for an enormous price (I would not be surprised to see the Rx version costing one hundred times more that what is available now). I understand that they have already sought approval.