Helping Our Patients Manage Vitamin Deficiencies

Cancer often causes malnutrition and specific vitamin and protein deficiencies. ECHO (Eastern Connecticut Hematology) is pleased to now offer our patients a more convenient and cost-effective way to manage these deficiencies.

Vitamins that can be bought online or in drug stores may not be supported by clinical research and have low absorption rates – meaning the vitamin is barely being absorbed by the body.  For instance, in some cases, as little as 4% of the vitamin is absorbed and the rest is eliminated in urine. 

ECHO’s clinical nutritionist, Param Panchal, was concerned that this was not a good option for ECHO patients who were facing serious deficiencies. He shares, “I wanted to find alternatives and partner with a trusted manufacturer who could provide us with products in our office that have been clinically tested, backed by research, and are effectively absorbed.”  In some cases, these vitamins boost absorption rates of up to 95%. And the cost is affordable and can save patients as much as 50%.

Based on blood work and ECHO physician recommendation, patients may now be able to purchase vitamins in the office for the following:

• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Calcium
• Folic Acid
• B12
• Iron
• Vitamin D
• And more…

Practice Manager, Anne Slam, says that offering this option is part of ECHO’s commitment to providing high quality care, comprehensive, and affordable care. She explains, “Our patients are dealing with so many health issues. We want to partner with them and provide all the services they need in one caring and convenient location.”

If you are facing vitamin deficiencies, talk with your ECHO provider who can guide you. Param is available for individual nutritional consultations and can be reached at: (860) 886-8362, x242.