What supplements do you take regularly? Mul... - Healthy Eating
What supplements do you take regularly? Multiple choice poll.
None
Green tea, turmeric
NAC
Why would I need supplements, if I am eating healthily ("Mediterranean diet")?
In Northern lattitudes people don't get enough sun in winter when they stay indoors or cover themselves up, so they need vitamin D supplements to support their immune systems. It's one of the reasons why viruses have a bigger impact in winter.
Oily fish are a staple of my diet
Good for you. I need supplements despite eating the mediterranean diet, due to my vasculitis/churg strauss - ive had to take a lot of antibiotics and steroids that knocked my gut flora for six, this resulted in memory loss and many other problems - probiotics got me back to normal
It really depends on the individual. Some autoimmune diseases and food intolerances can leave our gut in a sorry state, meaning we just don't get enough nutrients from our diets, even if we are eating healthily.
I'm prescribed Vitamin D otherwise I probably wouldn't bother. I take potassium when I need to as well
How do you know when you need potassium. Sorry if it is a silly question.
No. Its not a silly question. There's no such thing as a silly question. I am taking 5 diuretics daily so lose the potassium that way. I have regular blood tests for that and my iron levels too.
I too have to have regular bloodtests because i have a weekly injection that suppresses my immune system, it was following that it turned out my vitamin D levels were through the floor. It is good that whatever is causing this issue is on your radar.
can i ask why you need this regular injection precisely?
I have arthritis all over my body which makes my joints swell due to my immune system fighting the swelling. Methotrexate counteracts that by knocking my immune system which in turn reduces the pain, but not completely unfortunately.
This might sound a silly question but I will ask anyway. Vitamin d3 is very cheap. You can get a year's worth for about £6 including post and packing - especially if it is only the low dose 1000. Yet if the nhs prescribes it that costs them hundreds per year to deal with it. Why not just pay £10 a year for it yourself. It would save the nhs a lot of money and time.
I suppose I get it through the NHS because I know I am getting the real thing and because my GP will review my medications regularly.
vitamin d3 is so cheap it is always the real thing, it is not worth any manufacturer making a pretend version
Well said , your name describes you well Wiserlady
lol. How are you today?
At age 86 and my wife 91 are both fine. No masks no nothing just proper food plus the recommended immune system top up for the winter.
😀
Do you eat the meditteranean diet or anything "special" to help you both? Think a lot of people now eat all of these processed ready meals which doesnt help. I can understand it more if they are very busy working long hours or struggling with their health but not otherwise. And of course if their health is bad and they do that their health gets worse. May I ask what health conditions you are dealing with? Have a nice day.
No major health conditions, neither of us have been near our obligatory doctor for six years. All of our food is organic so far as is possible, vegetables from our twice a week street market, bread made at home from 100% wholemeal flour, raw milk from the local farm. We each take Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Zinc chelate daily to boost our immune system during the winter. No masks , nothing. Standard cure for the common cold is vitamin C every hour for one day; normally it will have gone by next day.
Multi thingy and iodine as well as magnesium and vit d, don’t suppose I need any of them but it feels reassuring to take them
I used to take multivitamins, they do work out cheaper when its all in one, but then I read a lot about how some cancel out others or dont work when in an unnatural form or whatever and its best to take them separate individually - anyway most multivitamins do not contain enough of each thing - potassium and magnesium are often there in tiny amounts and other bits are missing
Selenium
What is that?
1 Brazil nut a day will give you pretty much all the selenium you need. If you would rather go natural, use less plastic and can eat them.
I do that too
I don't take supplements regularly as I don't need them but do take Vitamin D and Magnesium on and off during January and Feb because we don't always get enough then. And I try and get my nutrients from my food.
None I'm afraid - keep forgetting to get them!!!
Hi Hidden ,
This is a great poll idea. 
I picked: Vitamin C , Calcium , Other since I use/take a multivitamin each morning and the others two to three times a day depending on how I feel (Vit. C 2-3 times if I feel not well).
Hi Leah. I didnt know you could vary the dose. Does that affect others meds or conditions? Martin.
With the Vitamin C, I usually use it twice a day unless I have a cold or an allergy and not feeling good. It doesn’t interfere with my medication, but not sure if it may for other people/what they are using. They may want to consult the doctor if they have questions about the Vitamin C. 😀👍
I am sure that vitamin c is fine. You could be addicted to eating oranges.
I like the Halo oranges. 😀👍
Cod liver oil, glucosamine plus multivitamins and iron.
Hey Jerry
Interesting to see that we had supplements on our mind today. 30 min ago, I posted about vitamin D3 on our sleep matters forum.
Even though I have a healthy diet, I have hypothyroidism and digestive issues that create the need for me to take supplements. It's a case of what can you absorb. Also, our soils are no longer as rich as they used to be. Eating a well balanced whole food meal is the key but taking anything to help deficiency or low levels is important as well. I try to source my supplements from companies that pride themselves on using high quality ingredients for the most part.
On the advice of my doc, I take 125 mg ox bile, digestive enzymes,probiotics and 75 mg DGL. Also from a study, I take zinc carnosine for my tummy. Plus zinc helps convert thyroid hormones. I take magnesium with vit k2/d3 because they work together to absorb the vitamin D. The k2 is soy free and MK-7. My vit d levels from my bloodwork showed quicker improvement once I incorporated k2 and magnesium. For thyroid, I take selenium (sometimes I just take 2 Brazil nuts) and a little iodine from a kelp supplement. For inflammation, I switch between cod liver and fish oil.
For sleep and cortisol, I take a little of ashwagandha, valerian root and magnesium glycinate.
For a gastritis flare up, I take slippery elm.
Im grateful that I was able to incorporate all of the above and it has definitely helped me in my health journey .
I imagine you are not in the UK, here a doctor would not have heard of most of these supplements and herbs let alone being able to give you sensible advice about them.
Vitamin K2-MK7 and co enzyme q10
Multivitamin hair supplement, omega 3 and probiotic
I am very careful with supplements and only take those recommended by my cardiologist and oncologist. I do eat what I consider a healthy diet. I suggest listening to your physicians and not to ads from supplement companies.
NEVER take any notice of advertisements for anything. But do a lot of research and listen to Dr Mercola, Dr Ohirra and other naturopathic doctors that gain nothing at all from giving free advice about vitamins etc on their vast websites. Earth Clinic is another great website, not selling a thing, but giving masses of info about natural ways to help with hundreds of different illnesses and health problems. Of course some of it is common sense like not drinking, smoking, sitting around doing nothing without exercise, stressing too much and eating loads of junk food. A lot of people forget that prevention is better than cure and would rather do what they like and abuse their bodies left right and centre and then expect a doctor to give them a magic pill to put it all right.
I spoke to a friend of mine recently who rushes back and forth to his doctor worrying about his kidneys, he says they are at stage 3 of ill health and it worries him a lot. I pointed out that the best thing to help your kidneys is to drink loads of water all day every day. His doctor had never told him that, he had never researched it and he said wow. I very rarely drink, I have this habit of hardly every drinking, maybe that would help. Perhaps he could prevent a lot of expensive visits back and forth to his doctor now? Three months later he is still not drinking much, nowhere near enough, and still rushing back and forth to the doctor. The doctor still says dear oh dear they are still bad.
I know a lot of men who have prostrate problems they are struggling with. I found out that every single one of them hates and never eats tomatoes. Yet tomatoes are very rich in the lycopene which prostrates need to work well. Is that a coincidence? I doubt it.
Thanks, agree.
Hi, how are you today?
Doing well, thanks. I should comment on your post that I've had prostate cancer for 9 years now and always ate a lot of tomatoes in various forms before that. So it didn't protect me from cancer, but I still believe it to be a healthy food. No longer have a prostate, but still eat tomatoes. Love growing them in the summer. Take care.
Red Wine, preferably Italian😉
Now your talking although, my favourite Italian wine is a very dry white called Frascatti.
I am on Vitamin D, Magnesium and Multi Vitamins. I am looking into Omega 3 but I'm going to confirm with my Doctor that I can take it with my under line health first. I hope I can.I really enjoyed taking part in your Survey.
I started to take vitamin D following a routine blood test thst showed my level was dangerously low.
Hi I take calcium supplement prescribed by my doctor for osteopenia plus vitamin d3 recommended by my doctor too. But also take something called vein vine by healthspan which helps the blood flow circulation ect around my body and have felt really good results since taking it. I originally tried it as reviews were good for leg pain tired heavy legs varicose veins and restless leg syndrome which I have to say since taking it my restless leg syndrome has gone altogether my varicose veins have reduced and leg/feet numbness has gone! I eat a good healthy diet including 4-5 different veg and fruit a day cut out dairy gluten sugars cut down on caffeine and cut out alcohol too which has greatly helped my fibromyalgia too. I've always been quite fit and used to go to the gym often but since having fibromyalgia from a bout of pneumonia and had to give up work I try to walk as much as possible which I find difficult but I can't drive 🙃
Have read about vein vein, and taken similar herbs for same thing, it's very effective and in some people really essential
Vitamin K, turmeric, reishi mushroom
Glucosamine and a pro biotic
Vitamin B12
Also Spirulina and collagen for my joints
vitamin k 2 to ensure calcium goes where it is needed instead of clogging arteries, valerian to help sleep sometimes, hibiscus for lowering blood pressure, gingko biloba for circulation, grapeseed extract for circulation, various high dose vitamin b, mixed vitamin b, vitamin c, loads of olive oil! AND avocado pears
Remember that not everyone can access a “healthy diet”. Different conditions can obstruct the absorption of many vitamins and minerals so it’s not always completely down to diet and particularly with vitamin D in mind, many of us haven’t been going out as much over the last year and a half. Please bear this in mind when you make comments about no need because I have a “healthy diet”
Sadly, taking supplements sets off my IBS so I’m unable to take them.
I take a multivitamin every day and B12 every other week
NAC
Eating healthy but D , omega 3, plus kelp supplement twice daily
turmeric
This is a good prompt Jerry, as yesterday I saw an advert from the Scottish government recommending everyone should be taking a vitamin D supplement over winter here, so I can pass the message on.
I take a vitamin D supplement most of the year (I do test to make sure I don't overdo it), and I also take B12 and magnesium often too.
I occasionally dip into other supplements, but only as and when I think I need the boost. Right now I'm on a hair skin and nail supplement and selenium to support my thyroid. I also take probiotics
What sort of magnesium do you take. Its mentioned so often on this forum but there are so many different types. I have heart issues. Not sure if that makes a difference.
I know, it's a bit of a minefield. I think it depends on what you use the magnesium for. I take Magnesium Citrate, as it's the most absorbable, but I was warned it can have a laxative effect in many. If you try it, and it does upset your stomach, the next option to try would be magnesium malate.
I've seen quite a few raving about L-threonate recently as even better than citrate, but I've struggled to find anywhere reputable selling it.
Other kinds of magnesium are largely just laxatives, so I've not tried them, but this article has a little more info:
healthline.com/nutrition/ma...
In terms of your heart issues, I think it would be better to speak to your doctor to understand any drug interactions (especially if potential laxative effect could be a problem). It's usually best to take before bed, to help with sleep. I did a quick search and saw this, saying it is beneficial for heart disease though:
Vitamin C I buy over the counter due to my low immune system. Vitamin D , Magnesium and Folic Acid prescribed by the doctor/ specialist. I'm unable to take just 'any' supplements due to my other medication. One effects the other and diet is the same.
Daily Multivitamin with iron, Vitamin D3&Vegan Algae Omega 3,EPA/DHA
I take Vitamin D, Zinc, and Biotin.
Dear Jerry, I get vitamin C from a fresh orange each day.
Biotin
Vitamin E.
its a case of what dont i take...
Turmeric for inflammation
Zinc
None.
Vitamin K2 and probiotics
Oh yes I forgot folic acid but only because I take mtx
Healthy diet, so I do not take any.
My doctor says I don't need vitamins if I eat sensibly and follow a proper, nutritional diet. The only one is Vit D but other deficiencies, if any, are found through blood tests.
Glucosamine
Fish Oil
St. John's Wort, adrenal supplement, Vitamin E, kelp, probiotic
Selenium
Selenium to reduce antibodies and for conversion of T4 to it's a tive form of T3
Vitamin D, vitamin C already counted in the poll, plus Zinc
I take vitamin b complex to make up for a damaged gut not absorbing enough from my food. I take vitamin d to help my immune system over winter and magnesium to stop leg cramps and help me sleep. I also recently started taking montmorency cherry extract to keep any inflammation down and help with sleep on the recommendation of a friend. Seems to have helped ease my neck pain.
I take b12, iodine and plant based omega 3 as advised for vegans, and vit d as i was deficient. I stopped taking any other vitamin years ago when it was announced studies found that the ACE combination group had a higher incidence of cancer. I wdnt take a green tea pill as it can damage the liver. An excellent bbc horizon programme with professor Giles Yeo called Myth or Miracle a couple of years a go examined the industry. Among many interesting aspects they spoke to athletic coaches who had stopped their athletes taking antioxidants as it made their performance worse. So i think the best way to get most of our nutrients is from the whole fruit, as u cant isolate one aspect of it and expect miracle results, as it is the whole apple or brocolli which is good for u. U will note that on the bottle it always says 'aids' or 'supports' as there is no evidence for them legally to make other claims.
Except in my very much younger days (Vitamin C) , I have never taken supplements except when my doctor prescribes iron.
Some say that with a balanced diet they should not be needed. But in this crazy mixed-up world is that still true?
Any views, either way, are welcome.
G1
I also take Turmeric capsules. And as instructed by my Consultant following a ruptured tendon to 'overdose on Vit C' to encourage collagen production and healing. I take 2 x 1000mg/day
I take vitamin D , water iron b12 & hair & nail supplement
Tumeric.
I have a malabsorption syndrome due to my gastric bypass so I need higher levels of the following than are present in the amount of food I am able to eat.
Prescribed: 2 each High strength Calcium Citrate (Carbonate aggrevates my BPPV- benign paroxismal positional vertigo) , Iron, Folic Acid and 2 A-Z Multivitamins and Minerals. B12 injections every 12 weeks and sublingual B12 most days because I find the NHS prescribed dose is not enough.
Non-precribed: High strength Evening Primrose Oil (HRT replacement as I cannot have HRT for medical reasons - following). High strength Garlic plus turmeric with black pepper & ginger for immunity and vascular health (strokes and cardiac deaths common in very close family). Ginko biloba and ginseng , slows down early onset Alzheimers but does nothing for vascular dementia (both also causes of death in very close family). High strength Vit D with mag & zinc for SADS. Protein shakes as I need to have 65-85g/ day and generally can only manage around 50g in actual food - my meals are usually sideplate sized. All organic & vegan certified - can't say that for the prescribed meds though.
They have now changed what they say about things running in families. They used to say that if your family have it it runs in family. Now they say, and it's common sense to me, it was assumed that family have the same lifestyle. If your lifestyle is healthier than your family then it does not follow that you get the same illness(es).
Vitamin D. A few years ago mine was so low I needed prescription strength supplements. Once it was up to normal I now take over the counter low daily dose to keep it topped up.
I recently started with benfotiamine (bioavailable b1), allithiamine (b1 that crosses the blood brain barrier), sublingual methylcobalamin (b12)... Because of neuropathy... Yes it is helping... Also ginger/turmeric for inflammation....
Lutein for eyesTumeric for joints
I was on a course of folic acid for 3 months, I am now waiting for a blood test to see if I need some more 😊
and a s**tload of fertility supplements which are actually antioxidants which everyone can benefit from. It's done wonders for my hair and nails.
We add Zinc as a chelate to Vits C and D3 to our daily intake to boost our immune system as recommended by Dr. Dolores Cahill Ph.D nearly two years ago. The other things come in our food.
The only regular vitamin I take at the present time is Vitamin D. And my “other” item is Lutigold Extra for eyes. Usually it would be B vitamins regularly but because I need to check I’m getting enough via food. I’ve stopped taking them for a while. & will get a blood test to check the levels in mid January
Take Vitamin C if have a bad cold or Flu. Take Turmeric capsules regularly for arthritis
I do not take any supplements. I think that if a diet is healthy and variable it should be good enough for your needs unless you have a health crisis or special dietry needs of course. I am considering taking vitamin D as I am aware that most people are deficient in this over winter.
