Vitamn / mineral supplements

[GraunReader]

Recently found I have svt and am waiting for a consultation with local cardiologist... in the meantime, I'd like to ask you, dear reader, the broadest of questions re vitamin & mineral supplements. We read on reliable pages like the nhs guide to vitamins etc, that certain trace elements are good for the heart. So it must make sense to make sure we're getting those trace elements. Is there any evidence that supplements have been found to have a positive effect on folk with various ectopic beats, pvc, missed beats etc.?

[Taviterry]

In the past two years I've spent a lot of time researching vitamins, supplements and food, first to deal (successfully) with pre-diabetes, then to deal with anaemia. Sensible life-style and diet, together with vitamins and supplements, can certainly contribute to overall good health, including that of the heart, but I wonder if they would do much to help with specific conditions such as missed beats. (But I see that Dr Google has lots of suggestions!)

Bear in mind that caution needs to be exercised because vitamins and supplements can sometimes "disagree" with prescribed medication - I've written several times about my friend who's given me some very intense sales talks about the benefits of Omega 3 which can increase the risk of bleeding. (I'm on anti-coagulants and eat a lot of fish.)

We get frequent posts about mixing this with that or the other, and the default advice is to check with one's GP, surgery pharmacist or chemist's pharmacist (though in my case the last is always very busy and doesn't know me nor my medical circumstances).

[PadThaiNoodles]

I take an electrolyte fizzy thing with magnesium and potassium -- but only because my blood tests show that I'm slightly deficient in them.

And I take vitamin D because I live too far north.

Other than that it's just a handful of nuts every day, fish at least twice a week, and a bucket-load of veg. (Though some of that is to keep my vitamin K level as I'm on warfarin for a mechanical aortic valve.)

[Blearyeyed]

Eating a nutrient rich diet rather than relying on supplements is the most recommended advice by cardiac specialists and charities.Particularly taking care of your intake of Sodium and Potassium.

Improving your intake of Vitamin B12 , Folates and Vitamin D are particularly effective in improving the body and hearts ability to function well , and to metabolise the other vitamins and irons you require.

Increasing foods that contain plant sterols/ stanols , varied nutrient content , and soluble fibre will also do more to help you maintain your health, as will drinking the recommended amount of fluids each day. Reducing intake of processed sugar, artificial sweeteners and too much fat is also important to improve your blood sugar and cholesterol levels which in themselves will improve your health generally.

After that , things can be a little more complex, as high dose supplements may not be appropriate if you are on various medications for high blood pressure or you take certain anticoagulants or antiplatelets.

For example, although Magnesium, Garlic or Coenzyme Q10 and various trace elements are good to increase from food , but for patients on certain medications or whom suffer periods of low blood pressure or low heart rate, high dose supplements can cause symptoms and side effects because they cause the heart rate to become too low.

Omega 3 and Calcium are also better in the moderate amounts from food rather than as a supplement, especially with certain cardiac health issues.

Certain other " natural " herbal supplements which have "potential but no guarantee " to improve cholesterol can also carry more risks than benefit in long term use because although they aren't as efficient as medications in reducing cholesterol, heart rate or blood pressure taking them at the same time as essential medications can cause an increase in bruising or bleeding times and cause sudden dips in blood pressure and they can have unpleasant side effects in the same way as any prescribed medicine can.

On the other hand , if you take various medications including PPIs and Statins you may benefit from a boost in Vitamin B12 or Folate, in the form of a mouth spray or sublingual tablet ( melts in the mouth) alongside food changes to maintain B vitamin levels which helps you to absorb other vitamins and minerals better.

So , it all depends on your individual needs , health history and the medications you take as to whether you either need or should take supplements, even if supplements can sometimes have a beneficial effect.

One thing you should do before taking anything , even a multivitamin is check if you should be taking those supplements alongside your medication and make sure they are taken with a number of hours break between the supplement and medication to prevent side effects.

You should get advice on supplements by speaking to your GP or Consultant.

You should also get your nutrient level blood tests to have a baseline of results to see if you do require supplements because you have a deficiency or very low normal levels (Insufficiency) so you can adapt your diet to incorporate more foods with the nutrients you lack , or it is actually recommended for you to take a supplement for some time to improve your levels and general health.

If you have a Cardiovascular health issue and take medication you can request to have nutrient blood tests done on the NHS via your GP every twelve months to help you prevent risks of vitamin or iron Insufficiency caused by Medication or your health status. NICE recommends these tests before using supplements, and as part of your Preventative Self Care.

Tests to request are Full Blood Count , Kidney Function (Electrolytes), Ferritin/ Iron, Liver Function , Vitamin B12, Folate , Vitamin D , Total Cholesterol, Diabetes HbA1C, some surgeries will also test Magnesium depending on which medication or health issues you have as well.

You should get a copy of the results , even if the GO says they are normal , because low normal results show you which nutrients you need to increase in your diet to prevent problems occuring in the future.

If you have normal , mid range nutrient levels , apart from having a good diet and using a Vitamin D supplement during winter months , you should be able to get the full benefits of vitamins and minerals from a well balanced nutrient rich diet. And , your bank balance will thank you too. With a normal diet suited to your health needs taking supplements just ends up producing incredibly expensive wee.

[Taviterry in reply to Blearyeyed]

That's excellent advice from Blearyeyed, especially about when and when not to take vitamins and supplements. I gather that some iron supplements should be taken every other day because of their slow absorption, and some vitamins with food, others between meals. (And I've just realised that I forgot to take the latter this morning 🙁.) And how much to take?I've adopted suggestions made in other threads that though my B12 and folate levels are within the recommended ranges I might do well to boost them. (My main concern nowadays is maintaining health red-blood cells.) When A & E diagnosed low Vit D, my GP suggested I buy 800iu tablets, then the hospital sent around by taxi 1000iu, which are now included in my repeat prescription! (I need to shield from the sun, so should supplement with Vit D throughout the year.)

Magnesium seems to be in fashion at the moment, as I see it being recommended all the time, even by a Times health guru who doesn't bother with other vitamins. But I drink hard water that contains magnesium, so perhaps I don't need to supplement. (My level has never been tested.) On the other hand, hard water also contains calcium, and my level for that is in the middle of the recommended range.

I have an A4 sheet listing all the pills that I pop, with notes about timing, possible interactions and long-term effects. A couple of Blearyeyed's comments have prompted me to check whether I need to tweak the notes.

[Ilovedogs12 in reply to Blearyeyed]

Great advice from Blearyeyed as always.I take no supplements and all my tests are always bob on (apart from once last year when I was shown to be prediabetic but that was down to the medication I was on and rectified when that medication was changed).

I eat a healthy diet and get all the nutrients from my food. It's the natural way, so I'm sure it must be best.

[Pundit999]

It is best to not rely on supplements. If you are a vegan B12 is a must. Also vitamin D if you have a dark complexion or you live in an area that does not get much son or if it too close to the poles.

May be a multivitamin a few times a week to ensure you get everything.

But it is best to just eat lots of veggies, fruits and whole grains for micronutrients. The body may not handle well the huge amount of and isolated compounds in supplements.