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Vitamins and Minerals - Good or Bad - What I've Recently Discovered

jeanjeannie50 profile image
123 Replies

I've been taking quite an array of vitamins and minerals daily. Actually 7 in number, vitamin C, B, D3, K2, Taurine, Magnesium and CoQ10 (I added CoQ10 late last year).

Over the last few months all the joints in my body had been getting sore to the point where they really hurt, especially when I had to stand up from sitting. I put it down to growing older and probably arthritis. However a week ago I decided all these supposedly good health promoting supplements appeared to be getting too much and I was becoming concerned with additives/fillers that were contained in some of them. I did seek to find the best I could and it was costing me a fortune.

Anyway let's get to the punch line, about a week ago I stopped taking first CoQ10 and then a few days later magnesium glycinate. Guess what my body joint aches have completely gone. It's like a miracle, to be honest I put the blame on the CoQ10 as someone else I know had a problem when taking them.

What else has occurred to me is that fillers/additives/bulking agents are probably fine if taken in just one pill, but what if you're taking lots as I was? Plus on top of those supposedly healthy pills I am taking 4 prescription pills.

Why am I telling you all this? I'm just wondering if any of my fellow forum members here are suffering with joint pain and may also find that one of your 'supposedly healthy' vitamin/mineral pills are the cause.

Jean

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Teresa156 profile image
Teresa156

I’m glad your aches have gone Jean…and good that you worked out what it was. I too take a few vitamins every day and hope they’re doing me some good, but I’m aware that we do need to tread carefully, as with everything these days and watch out for any odd side effects as you never know.

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toTeresa156

Thank you for your reply Teresa. Its just so weird to feel pain free in my body again. I really hope it doesn't come back. Honestly, I've been calling the way I've been feeling lazyitis. The pain, especially on moving about has been draining.

Jean

Teresa156 profile image
Teresa156 in reply tojeanjeannie50

Let’s hope it’s gone for good Jean.

Coco51 profile image
Coco51

That's interesting. We take a lot on trust when taking supplements. And their interactions aren't exhaustively researched. I do have a friend of a friend who doubled her dose of vitamin D and began having symptoms that resembled MS. She was was referred for tests which were negative, advised to cut back in the vitamin D and gradually got well again. I was thinking of CoQ10, but the research was inconclusive and studies were very small, so decided against it. Basically one study showed that heart tissue in heart failure patients was often low in CoQ10 but when supplements were given it didn't seem to raise the level. (But that's only one study.)

Thanks for posting. Food for thought! ❤️

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toCoco51

Yes it certainly is food for thought. I just couldn't understand how my pain had completely gone. I was busy yesterday out for lunch with some friends and must admit I didn't think about my aches and pains. It was just today I noticed I could get up from seated and not wince. Then I thought about all the fillers in my 'so called healthy supplements' and wondered if they were all too much.

It's interesting re your friend and upping her vitamin D. I upped mine to 4,000IU at the start of this year. Hmm something else to think about.

Thank you for your response.

Jean

Mrsvemb profile image
Mrsvemb in reply tojeanjeannie50

Do you get blood tests to check your vitamin D levels? Too much over a long period of time can cause too much calcium to build up in the body (hypercalcaemia). This can weaken the bones and damage the kidneys and the heart.

My oncologist checked my vitamin D levels and I was low, so he asked my GP to prescribe 1000iu. I have blood tests to check this every year and it remains within normal limits with the supplement.

Too much can be as bad, if not worse than too little. Best to gets bloods done before taking the supplement.

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toMrsvemb

Did your GP suggest a vitamin test. I didn't think that they offered that service?

Jean

Mrsvemb profile image
Mrsvemb in reply tojeanjeannie50

My oncologist did the first test for vitamin D which showed me to be low. He wrote to my GP and asked him to prescribe. Since then every time I have routine bloods done, vitamin D is included. I dont have other vitamins checked.

I don’t take any other supplements, believing that a varied diet, everything in moderation, will give the nutrients I need.

I have enough problems with the fillers in tablets that I have to take, so don’t want to add more. There are a few fillers that I can’t tolerate.

Belle11 profile image
Belle11 in reply tojeanjeannie50

Many sources advise taking vitamin K2 alongside vitamin D, as vitamin K2 is important for directing calcium to the bone; without vitamin K2 it's thought that excess calcium gets deposited in plaque buildup in the arteries. The Grassroots Health Nutrient Research Institute website has a page discussing this, titled "Do You Need to Take Vitamin K2 with Vitamin D?"

The vit D3 + K2 supplement I take is liquid drops, and the only additives are sunflower oil and orange oil. I take 4000iu vit D with K2 25micrograms, and get my levels checked privately via an NHS lab that also offers a service privately to the public. It's at vitamindtest dot org dot uk My levels are always very well within the normal range.

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toBelle11

Thanks for the info, will have a look. I already take vitamin K2 MK7.

Jean

Frances123 profile image
Frances123

like you Jean I’ve been putting down my aches and pains to being age related. The only supplements I take that I buy is magnesium bisglycinate (one love) and taurine (Solgar). I also have to take ad-cal D3 for osteoporosis but that is prescribed. I do have some age related degeneration in the lower back but the aches I’m getting now are knees, hips, ankles etc. hands seem to be ok. Have 2 prescribed drugs too. I am conscious of fillers and can only take certain brands because of those.

Even though I take relatively little supplements and prescribed drugs, since reading your post I am wondering if some of the fillers are to blame? When my current lot of magnesium and taurine are finished I am going to try the magnesium taurate as recommended by Dr Sanjay Gupta. Watch this space!

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toFrances123

Hi Frances

I did think too about taking the magnesium recommended by Dr Gupta, will see how I get on. I still have another whole bottle of Taurine (Solgar) to use up. No magnesium capsules at all at the moment as I couldn't find one that was mostly additive free. May start using the oil instead, have used that in the past along with a powdered one that goes in the bath. Hmm have just found the magnesium oil I used to use, must be several years old!

Thank you for your reply.

Jean

ainslie profile image
ainslie in reply toFrances123

Any idea why Taurate as opposed to others?

Efka profile image
Efka in reply toainslie

Hi, no in-depth detail but a good starter for 10 magnesium crib sheet 😊

Magnesium
Efka profile image
Efka in reply toEfka

Magnesium

Magnesium
Efka profile image
Efka in reply toEfka

Magnesium

Magnesium
Efka profile image
Efka in reply toEfka

Magnesium

Magnesium
Efka profile image
Efka in reply toEfka

Magnesium

Magnesium
Efka profile image
Efka in reply toEfka

Magnesium

Magnesium
Efka profile image
Efka in reply toEfka

Magnesium

Magnesium
ainslie profile image
ainslie in reply toEfka

I wonder why glycinate is not there, I keep hearing it’s allegedly the best one whatever that means, maybe not for heart though?

Efka profile image
Efka in reply toainslie

Hi should be in the second picture on the right hand side. I take glycinate for general health, my understanding is it’s an “easy” one as in its well absorbed, kind on the gut and can be bought almost anywhere quite cheaply. Alas yes not as heart specific as a couple of the others.

ainslie profile image
ainslie in reply toEfka

Thank you👍

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toainslie

Magnesium glycinate and magnesium gluconate are two forms of magnesium12.Magnesium glycinate is often preferred for its superior absorption and minimal gastrointestinal side effects, making it suitable for long-term use1.Magnesium gluconate, while also well-absorbed, is typically chosen for short-term treatment of magnesium deficiency due to its effective replenishment capabilities1.The key differences between the two forms of magnesium are their compounds2:

Magnesium glycinate includes an amino acid known as glycine.

Magnesium gluconate contains gluconic acid, a natural compound that is noncorrosive, nontoxic, and less irritating than other acids.

Jean

ainslie profile image
ainslie in reply tojeanjeannie50

Thankyou, that’s a lot of Magnesium info 😀

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toainslie

Taurate was recommended by cardiologist Dr Sanjay Gupta who's at York Cardiology dept in the UK. He found that it helped his patients reduce their AF. A lot of members on this forum follow his posts on YouTube. We are not allowed to post any links on this forum now without permission.

Gladstone001 profile image
Gladstone001 in reply tojeanjeannie50

Hi Jean, Gupta does recommend magnesium taurate capsules. He has never promoted taurine tablets or capsules. The website he links to, sells both mag taurate and mag glycinate capsules. I find them interchangeable and both help keep my AF at bay.

BenHall1 profile image
BenHall1

Jean, you've got me thinking............ I've tended to relate my shoulder aches and pains to identified osteoarthritis ( in 2018 and 2020), i.e aging ! in April '22 my GP gave me a steroid injection into my right shoulder .... sorted! Playing up currently but I think mostly because it is trying to do much of the work of the left shoulder which is not just ridden with osteoarthritis but following my tripping over the cat tore a tendon from the rotator cuff. Not yet quite fully healed.

Now I've been taking Bio Quinone CoQ10 since about 2011/2012. It is the only 'supplement' I take. All other medication (6 items ) is NHS prescription stuff. TBH I don't know where I stand with CoQ10 if I stop it, will it lessen the osteoarthritis pain ?? It certainly won't change the tendon/rotator cuff problem. Will it reveal the secret of eternal youth ......... highly unlikely 😂

Can it be that I've taken CoQ10 for far too long ? Only one way to find out ..... guess I'll stop CoQ10 and see.

John

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toBenHall1

Hi John, anything is worth a try isn't it? You were probably taking CoQ10 to offset the effects of your statin.

I can tell you what the secret to a healthy old age is and that's hard physical work and also exercising the brain. I know a couple that put up a shed in their garden he was probably 84 then and her 81. She mixed the cement and he laid it (they've done lots of building in their lives). They also lugged the shed parts to their back garden and put it up. They're always doing something, he turned 86 yesterday and has a sharper mind than me. They've also lived a fuller life than most people. Another friend aged 85 goes swimming at a hotel pool most days and hardly misses a day of going to a meeting of some sort. I got on a bus with her one day and she sat on one of the front seats, I told her we couldn't sit there as they were for less able people. I completely forget her age!

There the secret of living a long life is out!

Jean

BenHall1 profile image
BenHall1 in reply tojeanjeannie50

Jean,

That's right, that's what I was told ............ to offset the effects of the statins. 😊

And you are right, and that's why I still drive buses ( al beit part time ). Not just something to do but to stay active, both physically and most importantly, mentally. I enjoy driving anyway, I can still pass my annual medical and can still retain my PCV licence, I enjoy the young things ( my student passengers ) who often make me laugh ( reminding me I was probably worse behaved in the 1960's than they are now, today ) ! 😂😂😂

Then there is the challenge of getting a double decker bus through narrow Cornish roads, particularly with tourist traffic on, especially the coast road between Lands End and St. Ives. Yuk! Ugh ! So think of me when you take your next bus ride, hope the drivers are kind and patient and helpful 😊🙂

John

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toBenHall1

I live in hilly south Devon John and I'm always in awe of how good bus drivers are in this area. All I can say is they truly know the width of the bus they're driving. I also volunteer as a guide at a National Trust property and to get there have to drive down a narrow lane for about two miles with just a few single passing places. If a visitor drives slowly then they get a line of traffic behind them, my goodness the fuss that causes! I guess you recognise that scenario.

I've been on a double decker from Dartmouth to Kingsbridge via the coast road and Slapton Sands. Bus drivers just amazing, think they've changed it to a single decker now.

I'm just thinking the stress of driving on small roads cant be good for our AF can it? It's annoying dealing with those drivers who can't reverse their cars but I understand how hard it must be for people as they grow older.

Jean

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply tojeanjeannie50

Hi

Devon my favourite area in 1990s. I had 6 years there temping in Legal Secretary jobs and other.

And it so happened that both grandparents on both sides were born in Devon.

I started with a moped, then also had a 3-wheeler A Reliant Rialto. The prestige of the ROBIN.

We went everywhere.

I felt 'at home' but wasn't as NZ born.

I had an Aunty moaning about the weather but it did not worry me.

I remember when the fountain water turned PINK.

A big OE at aged 40s.

cheri JOY. 75. (NZ)

Rosemaryb1349 profile image
Rosemaryb1349 in reply toBenHall1

I was having a lot of joint pains mostly shoulders and arms but gradually spreading throughout my body and then I read on this forum that for a few unfortunate people taking statins (in my case Simvastatin) this can be a problem. I had a lengthy discussion over the phone with my GP who wasn't convinced but I persuaded her to switch me to Rosuvastatin and it has gradually improved the joint stiffness and pain. I am now vastly improved and thank you to whoever it was on here that pointed me in the right direction.

BenHall1 profile image
BenHall1 in reply toRosemaryb1349

Hi Rosemaryb1349,

I started on Simvastatin when statins were all the rage back in 2007 and have continued it through to August/ Sept 2023 ( I think ) when my surgery pharmacist phone and asked if I'd switch to Atorvastatin as it was a more 'up to date ' statin than Smiva .... 😱 Who was I to disagree.

Now you come along and throw into the melting pot 'Rosuvastatin' ..... may I please ask what's that one all about, where did you learn about that to enable you to have a successful discussion with your GP on the phone ? I understand there maybe as many as 5 statins on the market for GP's to mess about with.

Many thanks,

John

Rosemaryb1349 profile image
Rosemaryb1349 in reply toBenHall1

Hi, I had read on this forum about how Simvastatin can cause joint and muscle problems in certain cases and that Rosuvastatin had proved to be a better station for those individuals. I did a little research online about statins and decided to give it a go. I had to be polite but firm with my GP over the phone but she eventually said that there was no reason not to try them and that she would be interested to hear if it helped, which it has, considerably. I only wish I could remember who on this forum raised the issue giving me the heads up. Rosie

Rosemaryb1349 profile image
Rosemaryb1349 in reply toBenHall1

I have been poking about and the person who pointed me in the right direction was RAS54. Hope that helps. Rosie

BenHall1 profile image
BenHall1 in reply toRosemaryb1349

Thank you Rosie.

Maisiemay13 profile image
Maisiemay13

thank you for posting this you have got me thinking maybe I am taking two many vitamins, as they run out I will see how I feel !

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toMaisiemay13

Yes the thought suddenly struck me when I was out with friends who don't take any supplements. I'm going to do the same as you. The only tablets I may continue with are vitamins D3 and K2, maybe magnesium and taurine too.

Jean

Buffafly profile image
Buffafly in reply tojeanjeannie50

Do you not have a healthy diet?

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toBuffafly

I have a really healthy diet but must confess to having a sweet tooth. Every so often I give in and buy buttermints, chocolate or magnums.

Buffafly profile image
Buffafly in reply tojeanjeannie50

Taurine supplements have no proven benefits except for vegans and those whose bodies are under great stress, otherwise it is manufactured in your body from a balanced diet, so you can save money on that one! It won’t counteract the effects of a sweet tooth, sadly 🥺

Autumn_Leaves profile image
Autumn_Leaves

My take on supplements is to only take what you need to correct or prevent a deficiency. In my personal opinion, supplements aren’t medicines and taking unnecessary supplements may have their own risks. It’s fine to have extra fibre eg psyllium husk if you need it. This is more of a foodstuff but anything like this still needs to be taken properly at a sensible dose.

I’m noticing people taking more and more supplements these days, and recently learned that people now refer to their “supplement stack” which is just crazy. If people want to try a supplement I would say just be sensible about it, more isn’t always better, and monitor your symptoms to see if it actually helps. If not, just stop.

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toAutumn_Leaves

Wise words from you Autumn_ Leaves. Thank you.

Peacefulneedshelp profile image
Peacefulneedshelp

At one time I thought the same thing but learned it was from a gluten sensitivity and now I am fine. I too take a lot of supplements. But from good sources.

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toPeacefulneedshelp

If you are feeling well then it sounds like whatever supplements you're taking agree with you. It's just that being out with friends who take none and have lots of energy made me stop and think about all the ones I was taking. Then I thought about the cumulative effects of the fillers too. I'm definitely going to reduce the amount of the ones I take . I tried going gluten free a few years ago, it did nothing, then lactose free a while after which I've stuck with.

Jean

Janna24 profile image
Janna24

Hello Jean I am glad you found course of you pain! If i take vitamin B or magnesium i feel very unwell , i feel weird feelings in my head . I can only tolerate vit C

Janna

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toJanna24

That's interesting to hear Janna. Isn't it strange how we are all affected differently by vitamins and minerals. Also perhaps the fillers of tablets too. I may cautiously drop vitamin B myself, not had one today.

Jean

Janna24 profile image
Janna24 in reply tojeanjeannie50

Yes it is . I was very surprise myself . I did try to take them many times , but it always make me unwell . Now i am very careful with all vitamins . Maybe its just my body rejects them .

JillyBeau profile image
JillyBeau

I have an intolerance to supplements. They often contain a lot of salicylates which cause all sorts of intolerance problem’s including aching joints.

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toJillyBeau

Hi Jilly

I have to watch out for maltodextrin that's in a lot of supplements, my heart hates it and for me it's a sure trigger for AF.

We really don't know what to do for the best do we. I guess the answer is to get all the vitamins we can from the food we eat.

Jean

JillyBeau profile image
JillyBeau in reply tojeanjeannie50

We can try but I have reactions from all the healthy foods! Maltodextrin is high in glutamate. You could try avoiding foods/chemicals with this additive which can be naturally occurring in food or used as a flavour enhancer (msg). People who have an intolerance to glutamate often have problems with amines and salicylates. Check out the Failsafe Diet which eliminates the triggers.

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toJillyBeau

Thank you will have a look.

Jean

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toJillyBeau

I've avoided all foods with artificial additives for years. Artificial sweeteners were a sure trigger for my AF.

Threecats profile image
Threecats

Hi Jean

I can’t take CoQ10 at all. I’ve tried various brands and spent a small fortune on the stuff but get joint pains from it and it makes my AF worse🤷‍♀️ I thought it was just me being peculiar 😀 Vitamin C is another one I can’t do, as even the buffered variety gives me stomach issues.

I do take a vitamin D/K2 spray, the only one I tolerate, and that has worked to bring my vitamin D levels back into normal range. I also take a triple form of magnesium and vitamin B complex but otherwise that’s it.

I’m very glad to hear your joint pains have gone, that must be such a relief for you. I agree with you that the fillers in some of these vitamin tablets need to be considered, particularly for those of us who are sensitive to these things.

Thank you for raising an interesting topic,

TC.

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toThreecats

Thank you for your response.

Its interesting that a few people here have said that they can't tolerate CoQ10. I can't believe how much better I am without it. I've also decided to stop my magnesium pills and use a spray one on my skin. I eat a lot of nuts, seeds and fruit every day, so hopefully will get many vitamins from them. I also cook all my meals from scratch and avoid artificial additives as much as I can. Though I must admit to buying things like buttermint sweets, crisps and magnums in weak moments! How disappointed with myself I am when I do that. At one time I could off load those things to my neighbours who have 4 children, sadly they're all grown up and married now, so can't do that anymore.

Is it the Better You vitamin D and K2 spray that you use? I used to use that too a year or so ago.

Jean

Threecats profile image
Threecats in reply tojeanjeannie50

Oh Jean, I can so relate to your weak moments. Mine is any sort of dark chocolate with mint in it. My ticker doesn’t like chocolate very much but we’ve reached a compromise where a couple of squares now and then is acceptable 😀

It is the Better You spray that I use. Not cheap but I found that other vitamin D supplements just didn’t agree with me. The other things I forgot to add to my supplement list yesterday was Nattokinase (I’m not on anticoagulants yet) and a daily cup of Hawthorn tea. Interestingly, although I’m in persistent AF, I’m more aware of it when I don’t have my mug of Hawthorn tea in the morning, so, for me at least, it appears to do something. I tried taking hawthorn supplements when I first noticed the tea’s effect but didn’t get on with those at all, so tea it is!

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toThreecats

I can't stick to eating just a few squares of chocolate, I have to eat the lot usually in one go. It's good for me if I manage to eat it over a day! So I really must not buy any. Think I'm a sweetaholic.🙄

Threecats profile image
Threecats in reply tojeanjeannie50

There are far worse things to be 😀

Autumn_Leaves profile image
Autumn_Leaves in reply toThreecats

I can’t understand why so many people think vitamin C every day is a necessity because the body can only absorb so much, and it’s easy to get enough in the diet. I have a friend who actually sucks on vitamin C tablets every day and says she tries to hold the tablet in her mouth as long as possible. No idea where she got this idea from! The enamel on her teeth now looks uneven and pitted and has a lot of dental and gum issues. I’m not surprised. Ascorbic acid — the clue is in the name! She also used to do the lemon water thing every morning, something which my dentist told me had caused a lot of problems with his patients and has had to advise people to stop doing it. A slight diversion from the topic, but these tablets are acid so it explains why they could be causing stomach problems or problems in the oesophagus. Now that you mention it, my friend also complains of stomach problems but to suggest it might be aggravated by vitamin C tablets would be an outrage to her. Her faith is very strong!

WildIris profile image
WildIris

I take magnesium glycinate at bedtime to prevent painful leg cramps at night. It works well, and I never noticed any other effects. Maybe I have an individual need or something, but if I don't take it, I start to get cramps again. I quit taking coQ when I found I couldn't take apixaban (caused severe itching, which is apparently a rare reaction) and coQ helps blood clot.

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toWildIris

What a mine of information I'm getting from my post here. Thank you for your response. Magnesium before bed sound like a good idea.

Jean

Swimsyroke profile image
Swimsyroke

Thank you so much for your post jeanjeannie. I take the same vitamins and minerals as you but also probiotics and zinc and am fed up with feeling like an old lady (which I am at 78 - and I put it down to that!!!) with aches and pain everywhere. However I do worry about not taking COQ10 as I am getting forgetful but will certainly give giving up a try.

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toSwimsyroke

You can but try missing out your CoQ10 to see if it helps. Yes, I also have some zinc it cant be taken alongside certain vitamins so I keep it in the kitchen intending to take it lunch time, but forget. I also take sips of Kefir daily and a small glass of coconut water to replace electrolytes. I think I've become too obsessive with vitamins etc and it all has to stop.

Thank you for responding.

Jean

bassets profile image
bassets

Hi, glad you are feeling better. I try to find supplements without bulking agents these days as you don't know what effect they will have - you make a good point. Keep well :)

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply tobassets

Thank you bassets, is all bit of a mine field isn't it and we don't know what to do for the best!

Hope you are well too.

Jean

bassets profile image
bassets in reply tojeanjeannie50

Pretty good at the mo., thanks :)

Worm70 profile image
Worm70

Hi jean! Thank you for sharing your experience for taking those supplements. It caught my attention because I'm also taking the same supplements except for vitamin B, C, and CoQ10. I have been taking it for almost 2 months now, but so far I haven't feel any joint pain or any pain in my body. But previously, I was also taking CoQ10 too together with my maintenance med, and when I'm out of it, I bought vit D3, magnesium taurate, vit K2-M7 and Nattokinese. I stopped taking aspirin since it won't go well with vit K2-M7, but I'm still taking my amlodipine together with all the supplements I have plus regular morning walk followed with a light workout. So far I'm still in one piece and still feeling good 🙂Been thinking of taking CoQ10 again but now I'm quite unsure and having a second thought after what you've experience with it. Again, thanks for sharing and be well 😉

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toWorm70

Looking at the responses here, quite a few people have not got on well with CoQ10. I've been caught up with taking too many vitamins and minerals and I've decided it's all going to stop. Also the thought of each pill containing fillers etc and what the cumulative effect might be with taking so many has really hit me. My vitamin K2 MK 7 is actually made from Natto extract (Vitabright).

It certainly sounds like you're keeping yourself fit with what you do. Keep up the good work and thank you for your input.

Jean

Camelia23 profile image
Camelia23

I take a vitamin B complex which supplements my reasonable diet. It has no fillers, no added sugars or sweeteners. I'm probably not allowed to advertise it?

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toCamelia23

You could just mention the make here or private message it to me.

Jean

secrets22 profile image
secrets22

Must admit i take a lot of supplements but i do think we often over medicate

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply tosecrets22

I certainly am and it's all going to stop. Plus there's the added accumulation of all the fillers used in each pill.

Jean

Silvasava profile image
Silvasava

Just to add there is currently research into CoQ10 going on funded by the BHF. I applied but wasn't suitable due to Afib. I've taken it for many years and not had any adverse side effects. I also take Starflower oil in preference to Evening Primrose and Fish Oil. Calcium and Vit D on prescription.

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toSilvasava

That's interesting Silvasa re theCoQ10 research. I though fish oil was a no-no with AF medication. Maybe it's only with Warfarin and not the newer anticoagulants. I really cant remember what the connection is now.

Thank you

Jean

Cavalierrubie profile image
Cavalierrubie

Thank you Jean. Very interesting to hear. I am full of aches and pains, so this has made me think. How long after stopping the supplements did you notice a difference? I need to compare because when l began taking Vitamin B12 and Magnesium my AF episodes lessened. I am wondering now if this was just coincidence. You know, l sometimes think in this modern world we do more harm to ourselves than good. Nothing is natural anymore. It’s a sad thing to say, but in some things, we need to go backwards instead of forwards. 😟

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toCavalierrubie

I totally agree with all you've written Cavalierrubie, certainly with doing more harm to ourselves than good with all the pills that we take. I'm planning that it's all going to stop for me and I'll get all the vitamins I need from my diet. May even grow some veg myself (just remembering all the caterpillars and slugs that used to be on greens). No perhaps I wont. We used to knock them off and still eat the cabbages, lettuces etc. Yuk! We've turned our world into a sanitised place. Yes, I often think it would be good to go back in time a little. It was also lovely to have a mum and dad who protected us from any pressure. Lots of dads grew healthy vegetables in the back garden too. Now you've set me off reminiscing.

Jean

Cavalierrubie profile image
Cavalierrubie in reply tojeanjeannie50

Yes, but they really were the good old days. ❤️

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toCavalierrubie

They were!

Forgot to say it took about a week for my aches to go after stopping CoQ10.

Cavalierrubie profile image
Cavalierrubie in reply tojeanjeannie50

Oh thanks Jean. I have taken on board what you have said and will give it a try. Glad you are feeling better. You are a real little Poiroit with things you find out. (Hope l spelled that correctly.) 🥰

Meg24rd profile image
Meg24rd

Hi Jean, I take Vit D3 2000strength, Vit c 500 a multivitamin and a probiotic, have taken Vit D since Covid for immune system. Had thought about other supplements but decided not to take anything else as not sure how loads of them react together and I seem to react to things badly (eg Covid vaccine and have had to stop flecanaide due to side effects) I have morphine and low dose of paracetamol for spinal pain also Edoxaban and 1.25 bisoprolol which I just about tolerate, think it’s trial and error, glad your pains have eased off and you feeling better

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toMeg24rd

Thank you for your kind words Meg.

Yes, I think we all started taking vitamin D when Covid hit us. I still caught it though, did you? Your vitamin D3 and C are half the dose of mine and I think that's a better idea. I had to stop Flecainide because of side effects too, my cardiologist looked at my ECG and said it was causing more harm than good.

Jean

Vonnegut profile image
Vonnegut

I have been thinking the bulking agent in the flecainide tablets I have now are behind my messed up digestion as I never had such problems before. They have virtually put an end to my episodes of AF but it’s sad that they end one problem by giving me others!

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toVonnegut

Yes, I can understand how annoying that must be. Would it help if you took your Flec mid meal at either breakfast or evening meal? That's what I do with pills that upset my digestion.

Jean

Vonnegut profile image
Vonnegut in reply tojeanjeannie50

I have replied already but it seems to have disappeared! Flecainide must be taken on an empty stomach or an hour before eating so not on with a meal! It wasn’t so picky when I first took it as a PIP when it always ended episodes fairly quickly!

Physalis profile image
Physalis

I've been taking B and C Vits and magnesium tablets as well as a high dose of Vit D for some time and and have been feeling very well.

Last week I was looking up causes of leg cramps and saw it could be caused by a deficiency of potassium, calcium or magnesium. I latched on to the potassium and brought out the bottle that I had bought four years ago and thought better of taking.

What harm could it do? They are only 200mg and a banana is twice that. Yesterday, not feeling too bright I looked up my blood test results and found one this year which said my serum potassium was 5.3, the normal range is 3.5 - 5.3mmol.

I have stopped taking them.

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toPhysalis

We're often at a loss with which vitamins to take aren't we. I can't help but think they are far better coming from our food, if possible, than a pill.

Jean

Physalis profile image
Physalis in reply tojeanjeannie50

Yes, I agree up to a point. I don't get enough Vit C and I'm uncertain about the B Vitamins so I take one tablet a day which is a precaution against missing out on one or another. There are very low amounts of each so I don't feel it can do much harm.

Also in my cupboard are CoQ10, taurine, and cod liver oil, as well as the potassium, which I decided were not a good idea to take - I've forgotten why.

I've also started to take a fibre supplement 4000mg Psyllium Husk With Probiotic Acidophilus. The Acidophilus seems like a good idea!

I'm moving house so maybe the stress is the reason for the mild cramps lately.

ainslie profile image
ainslie

is it maybe you were taking too much, I was on 300 COQ10 and was tested and had too much, dropped to 200, ditto other vits, I think there are tests for most of your vits, magnesium should be red cell one.

I get it re additives , I take a handful of vits a day and wonder about the additives and as you say the purer ones are so expensive.

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toainslie

The CoQ10 I was taking each morning was only 100mg. Really it's the only thing I've changed. Have stopped magnesium for a few days now but that was because I ran out of it and couldn't find an additive free one.

Jean

ainslie profile image
ainslie in reply tojeanjeannie50

Maybe you didn’t need it or just didn’t agree with you

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toainslie

Yes, could be.

OzJames profile image
OzJames

Jean good to hear the joints and pain better. Before I started I did blood work to establish if I was deficient in any of the ones I take and I was quite low in D, Magnesium and CoQ10, I’m due in July to do annual bloods and will see what levels are and adjust accordingly. I’ve had no issues… yet

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toOzJames

Thank you for your kind words.

Hmm, I don't think my doctors surgery will do vitamin or mineral tests. I'll ask next time I go there. I could probably get it done privately.

Jean

OzJames profile image
OzJames in reply tojeanjeannie50

Yes same for me here in Australia the basic tests are done free with Medicare but magnesium and coq10 were an extra cost from memory around $50

AFHenz profile image
AFHenz

Some very interesting comments here, particularly with regard to vitamins and minerals from nuts, seeds etc (my preferred route). Pity that annual blood test doesn't cover a wider range of vitamin and mineral levels so you can see where attention is possibly needed. Unsure by the statin comments or their need, my cholesterol levels are quite low but on 40mg which may contribute to fuzzy head feeling, who knows ....

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toAFHenz

We can only do what we think is our best. How lovely it would be if GP's could check our vitamin levels, then we'd know just what we needed.

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply toAFHenz

Hi

Avorastatin 10mg is as good as taking 20mg

40mg is as good as taking 20mg

if you must take them.

More than 20mg interferes with my Thyroxine for Ca Thyroidectomy.

Research i formation as above. Over 80 stop taking them - won't work and your cholesterol will drop.

Dont forget to take good cholesterol level off bad.

cheers JOY

Bowcat profile image
Bowcat

Hi Jean, glad to hear that you are out of pain and may it continue!An interesting read Jean. I notice that you take 4000vitd, is this correct?

The only reason I ask and I'm aware that we are all different but I was told by Dr not to take more than 2000. But this could have been information for myself only!

I too use Magnesium oil as I found this better for me!

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toBowcat

Hi Bowcat, yes that's right I take 4,000IU of vitamin D. That's low compared to to what some people take. It's meant to protect against catching Covid and I believe also helps cure any infections.

Bowcat profile image
Bowcat in reply tojeanjeannie50

Thanks for your reply, oh really I may try and up mine then because I'm always getting infections. I was given wrong info. Thanks Jean

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toBowcat

I follow John Campbell on YouTube and listened to his advise and talks with consultants re the dosage.

Bowcat profile image
Bowcat in reply tojeanjeannie50

Thank you for info, I shall have to have a look at it!

Ilovedogs12 profile image
Ilovedogs12

Hi Jean,I think I may be in the minority here but I have never taken any supplements and always been healthy until my heart problems began. Even now all my blood test results are normal and my only medication is verapamil.

I eat a healthy balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables. I still have the occasional unhealthy treat but that's what they are - occasional and a treat.

I know you are also conscious of the quality of your diet and make an effort to eat well, so I have to ask why you feel the need to take any supplements? With a healthy balanced diet you should be getting all the nutrients you need.

I steer clear of regularly having anything unnatural and supplements are just that. I don't want to put unnecessary chemicals into my body.

I sometimes think supplements are a marketing gimmick and best avoided, but I realise a lot of people swear by them and I am the odd one out.

bantam12 profile image
bantam12 in reply toIlovedogs12

I’m also odd one out as I don’t take any supplements 🤷‍♀️

Ilovedogs12 profile image
Ilovedogs12 in reply tobantam12

So maybe we're not the odd one out but more like the odd couple! 🤣

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply tobantam12

Have you ever taken them? I wonder if we that do are more gullible.

bantam12 profile image
bantam12 in reply tojeanjeannie50

I was prescribed vitd in the past as my level was seriously deficient but it was because I had hyperparathyroidism so actually taking supplements would have done more harm by raising my already high calcium, luckily I didn’t take them !

My feeling with vits and minerals is that we don’t know what our bodies natural levels are, some will need higher and some lower and randomly trying to alter these may not be a good idea as there can be knock on effects.

Autumn_Leaves profile image
Autumn_Leaves in reply tobantam12

My husband takes no supplements although halfheartedly takes vitamin D in winter as he’s had a slight deficiency in the past. He has no diagnosed illnesses, takes no medication and everything on his NHS health check is fine. People don’t get that supplements aren’t a necessity and nor do they treat any illnesses other than deficiency states. They are also mostly untested and are regulated as foods, not medicines . Dosages have been found to vary from batch to batch, so a 100mg tablet may actually contain more or less than the stated amount and as they are rarely tested you never know whether it contains twice as much or nothing at all. All I’m saying, in a very roundabout way, is that people who remain fit and well and who don’t have diagnoses of this and that, and don’t need medication for anything, didn’t get into that position through taking any kind of supplement. Probably because they didn’t tinker with supplements or go on diets or cut out food groups etc. I question the sense in all of this

bantam12 profile image
bantam12 in reply toAutumn_Leaves

On the thyroid forum people are always being told to take lorry loads of vitamins, cut out this and that yet nobody questions if any of it is necessary.

Vid is a particular worry as some people take massive doses thinking it can’t possibly do any harm, then they wonder why their calcium is over range and they feel dreadful. There’s also the issue of upsetting the ratio between certain vitamins that need to be in sync and work together. Makes no sense to me either !

Autumn_Leaves profile image
Autumn_Leaves in reply tobantam12

Oh, I’ve had a look at that forum and what shocks me is that there are self appointed ‘experts’ telling people what supplements they should be taking! People with normal blood test results being told they should be pushing their numbers up to quite high levels and spending all that money on private blood tests. It seems madness to me that people should be gamifying their blood tests through taking supplements. For a start, people with other conditions that may not yet be diagnosed — you mentioned hyper parathyroidism and I have haemochromatosis — may be adversely affected by taking supplements. It’s also clear from reading a lot of supplement conversations online that there are a lot of people who don’t even understand what the blood tests are for eg serum magnesium is not any indication of dietary deficiency or adequacy, it’s an electrolyte measurement. It is supposed to stay within a narrow range. Just let the body regulate itself without overloading it without unnaturally high amounts of single nutrients! Pay attention to dietary intake rather than gobble down supra-physiological doses, because its just giving the body more work to do. People do love their supplements though.

bantam12 profile image
bantam12 in reply toAutumn_Leaves

The “self appointed experts” go way to far in how they diagnose desperate people without having any clue of possible underlying health issues, they tell people which and what doses of meds/supplements they should be on, it really is disgraceful how they get away with it. I think so many of the members are in a poor state because of following the wrong advice, many are under the impression the advice is coming from qualified people !

Autumn_Leaves profile image
Autumn_Leaves in reply tobantam12

It’s truly shocking. I would hate to have fallen down that particular rabbit hole, because we’re all vulnerable to some extent. I’ve looked at some of the posts on there and it’s as if some of them have given themselves prescribing powers! In real life I had to tell a friend to back off from “advising” someone about her prescription medication and I told her that’s a hard boundary that I personally wouldn’t cross. And neither should she! I think there are people on that thyroid forum who cross that line too. I don’t know where people get the audacity!

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toIlovedogs12

I admire you for being so strong. You are the only person I've ever heard of that has never taken any type of supplement. We need to hear more from people like you. To be honest I'm quite envious. I've probably taken them from around the age of 40. Mostly a multi vitamin and then pills to help with the menopause. I feel now that your way is more right. not mine. Thank you for your response.Jean

Ilovedogs12 profile image
Ilovedogs12 in reply tojeanjeannie50

You're very gracious Jean but there is nothing to admire, I simply never saw the point of putting anything into my body that wasn't natural, it's more of a worry about doing harm than a strength. I've always been that way, I don't know why.

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply toIlovedogs12

Hi

You like me, unless a necessity!

TOXICITY comes to hand as these supplements buid up and our body does not excrete them.

Have 3-4 eggs week and small banana a day, give tip to your dog - my dogs over years since 1990 have never been sick so that tip banana and piece raw carrot must be doing something.

Was a breeder of the best wee dog in the world MINIATURE SCHNAUZER.

I exported LACEY with me, bred her 3 times, twice with RISEPARK breed and brought back 3. Great line UK and USA descendant from NZ.

cheri JOY. 75. (NZ)

Autumn_Leaves profile image
Autumn_Leaves in reply toIlovedogs12

Unfortunately there’s a supplement on the market for just about everything. If you want better hair there’s a supplement, if you have creaky joints there’s a supplement, if you’re worried about getting a cold there’s a supplement. The amount of supplements for the menopause is staggering — peri menopause, post menopause, pre menopause. There’s even ‘menopause’ chocolate in H&B! The marketing is very, very successful considering that legally they can’t make any health claims (unless there is evidence for it, and there isn’t much evidence at all). People who take supplements do a lot of the marketing on their behalf as in “such-and-such product boosts the immune system” or whatever, even when the evidence has found no difference between the supplement and a placebo

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick

I take COQ10 and have had no problems with it. I take Statins and I read that statins decrease the concentration of COQ10 in muscle tissue in the bloodstream, also as you get older, the production of COQ10 in your body tends to decrease with age, so many cardiologists recommend taking a COQ10 supplement. COQ10 is a powerful antioxident , that helps convert food into energy. There are other things it does, so it is important. I’d never heard of it before I started taking Statins. I read up about it, when the Dr prescribed the Statins.

I also take a probiotic, which helps your immune system, a multivitamin, magnesium and 500 gm omega 3. I have ok’d these with a Dr. I don’t know if they do any good, but have taken them for quite a while now. I hope I’m not wasting my money!!!!

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply toSixtychick

Hi

Save your money and have 3-4 eggs per week and a banana!

cheri JOY. 75. (NZ)

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50

Yes, CoQ10 is often recommended for people who take statins. I can 100% say that they never ever gave me any energy. By the way I don't take statins.

Whether you've been wasting your money I cant say but I feel I've been wasting mine.

Jean

Sixtychick profile image
Sixtychick in reply tojeanjeannie50

They put me on statins, as my cholesterol was slightly higher than it should be. It’s low, now that I’ve been on them a few years. Supplements certainly aren’t cheap. !!

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply toSixtychick

Hi

Statins are not a supplement. The manufacturers call it a 'take it as a risk preventor'.

They can make your injury throb!

We all need cholesterol - high is say 10. Then deduct the good cholesterol from Avocardos. Bingo is you are at 5. Very good.

Statins are an excellent earner for countries - don't forget that.

cheri JOY. 75. (NZ)

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49

Hi

Toxic overkill from supplements and waste of money should lead you to rethink your 'way of doing things'.

I take no supplements as bloods tell me all levels OK except B12 back in 2010 level 135.

With Dr and myself we persevered with SOLGAR Gold Top 1,000ug (1 mg) sublingual nugget under tongue. Every day for 6 weeks rose level to 900. Then monitored it fall to 300.

Now at 75 I monitor it for 700-800 as the oldie that I am.

B12 does not get toxic as it is stored and eliminated when overstored.

Jean your list can get to toxic as it won't eliminate itself but will mount up.. A blood test will show you your level.

Never take supplements unless Dr agrees when your bloods are checked. Illness also plays a role.

I chose SOLGAR B12 over injection x monthly as I feel sure a 3 x week 1 nugget will give a steady way of nourishing my body with B12. Otherwise I picture los and highs.

Take care, Jean - leave your money from supplements in your pocket. A small banana will feed you natural food full of the goodness you need. My JAZ wee dog gets the tip. "narna" I sat and she comes running as she does to "carrot" - a natural way to see if she has worms. Never has. Worm med for dogs almost killed one of my little ones. Also Advantage for flies is better than Frontline which contains arsenic!

cheri JOY. 75. (NZ)

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