Holland and Barrett

[Jazzingjilly]

Thankyou everyone for your positive responses to my first post after I joined the group ... just a question .. do you take health supplements and if so are there any that are particularly beneficial to lupus sufferers ?

[LupusKaren]

I would say one important supplement is Vitamin D, but please do not start to supplement without getting your doctor to check your levels first, and if he or she is about to do that for you, may as well run a full Vitamin panel, B12, Folate, Iron et al. Again we as Lupus patients have to be careful what supplements we take, as many can interact with our medications, which is why my advice is always check with your GP before taking supplements, and I will share why I am so keen on medic input, I was drinking liquorice tea, which sounds benign doesn't it?, my Rheumatologist told me to stop immediately, as liquorice in any form is contraindicated with blood thinning medications.

[Shorthouse in reply to LupusKaren]

Good advice .i was very low on vit D. Dr needs to test.

[Joy_1]

Hi

I have UCTD. I take vitamin D (prescription) but that is because I have to as my count would be very low otherwise. I also take Omega 3 as a lot of research has pointed to the positives of taking Omega 3 overall and my Consultant agreed that yes I should take it. I found it has helped with fatigue a wee bit.

I did a lot of investigation into which Omega 3 brands were best for me as there is an issue around levels of pollution. Ironically H&B I found works for me as it is sourced from the 'least polluted waters'.

I would suggest that you speak to your Consultant before you start taking anything and not do things like having a caffeinated drink around the time you take supplements as caffeine reduces the uptake by the body.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Jazzingjilly ,

It is generally recommended to try and get all of the vitamins and minerals you need through a healthy, balanced diet rather than supplements. It is relatively easy to overdose on the fat-soluble vitamins and this can be dangerous to your health (particularly vitamin A) as well as wasting your money.

One possibly exception is vitamin D as most people who have SLE have low levels and should take a vitamin D supplement regularly. Vitamin D is essential for proper function of the immune system and several studies have shown that people who have more severe lupus tend to have lower levels of vitamin D compared to those who have milder disease. It is advised to talk with your consultant or GP about your vitamin D levels as you may already be prescribed calcium supplements which may contain vitamin D. It is important to bear in mind that most vitamin D is usually synthesised from sunlight on the skin, but with lupus you should be protecting yourself from exposure to UV.

It is always wise to talk with your GP or consultant about what supplements you wish to take as they can have a serious effect on some medications you may be on, such as warfarin.

[Jazzingjilly in reply to Paul_Howard]

Hi .. thanks for advice.. I got some Tumeric last week but as I’m on a blood thinner a friend has told me not to take it .. I’m seeing my doctor next week for help

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Jazzingjilly]

That is good advice as curcumin (a compound within turmeric) can have an effect on blood thinning too. It is good to get a doctor's opinion if possible.

[Tiras in reply to Paul_Howard]

I have SLE, and yes I have to take vitamin D daily. However, this was recommended by my physician. At various times I also have to take potassium, Prescripton from doctor, after monthly blood work comes back.

Always check with your doctor before taking any over the counter medication and or supplements.