Can I opt out of having food & vitamins scanned as well as my body when flying?

Yes, you may. This is <<exactly>> what the TSA web site says about screening medication:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneed...

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Medication and related supplies are normally X-rayed. However, as a customer service, TSA now allows you the option of requesting a visual inspection of your medication and associated supplies.

- You must request a visual inspection before the screening process begins; otherwise your medications and supplies will undergo X-ray inspection.

- If you would like to take advantage of this option, please have your medication and associated supplies separated from your other property in a separate pouch/bag when you approach the Security Officer at the walk-through metal detector.

- Request the visual inspection and hand your medication pouch/bag to the Security Officer.

- In order to prevent contamination or damage to medication and associated supplies and/or fragile medical materials, you will be asked at the security checkpoint to display, handle, and repack your own medication and associated supplies during the visual inspection process.

- Any medication and/or associated supplies that cannot be cleared visually must be submitted for X-ray screening. If you refuse, you will not be permitted to carry your medications and related supplies into the sterile area.

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So, the real answer to your question is: Yes, you can ask for a hand/visual inspection of all of your items. However, if they have any questions about the contents, then they will want to x-ray them. You may refuse that, but, if you do refuse, then those items _will not_ be allowed past the security check point.

You may also request a pat down rather than the whole body scan, if the airports you pass through use those machines.

If you really want to avoid radiation, though, then do not fly. At high altitudes, there is less natural shielding provided by the atmosphere, and you will receive more radiation from your flight that you would from a few years on the ground.

Sorry but I DO have to point out that there is exactly NO residual radiation left in or on a substance that has been scanned by an airport X-ray machine. None. Zip. Zero. Nada. Get the point? You may not want a sermon on safe levels but a level of ZERO is bound to be significant to your decision making. Should you choose not to "believe" it then you're probably the type of person who won't respond to any level of logic or critical thinking. I don't mean to sound rude or aggressive but come on, at some point you've got to recognize fact.

I too travel with food and nutritional supplements due to a physical condition. I travel a couple of times a week. The largest source of radiation in my life is the added exposure passengers receive while flying. There are several companies that sell clothing designed to reduce a passenger's exposure but in any event it will be higher than someone who isn't flying.

You can't opt out of your food and vitamins being scanned. You wouldn't want to look like a terrorist, sneaking mini bombs in to the secure area. A visual inspection wouldn't be enough

But what you can do is opt for a pat down. You'll still be searched using a handheld wand but it won't be as bad as the big metal detector. There is also the body scanner which acts as a vacuum sucking dust from your body to detect explosives.

Don't be ridiculous.