Vitamins for fatigue?

[IsleofWight1]

Another photo of the Whitwell area. On my good days I love to walk alone, with a friend or a group of friends. We go all over the Island, up the downs, along the rivers around the coast. I feel extreme lucky to be able to do this, though It does obviously depend on my energy levels (seems to be getting less lately).

Would you like more photos as I get them?

Does anyone find certain vitamins help with fatigue? Vitamin B maybe, or D? I am starting to accept the flares and the pain as part of UCTD but I struggle against the fatigue that seems to be happening more often.

[Bobbydoodle]

Yes Ai have Lupus SLE and I take Vitamin D daily prescribed by the rheumatologist and also I have Vitamin B injections every 3 months by my GP.

Ask your GP for a blood test if you’ve not had one recently and ask for your levels to be checked for anything else that could be causing fatigue. It’s easy with conditions like ours to assume it’s all down to our diagnosis but there could be other things adding extra layers of fatigue.

[IsleofWight1 in reply to Bobbydoodle]

It’s always good to hear what has worked(or not) for other people. Thank you. I’ll get a test arranged.

[KnitSewPurl]

High dose Vit D . Hubby was extremely fatigued (thought was post covid) so was I (I have SLE ) . He started taking high dose of Vit D and multiple Vit and minerals. It gave him a real boost of energy. Back to his normal self. As for me I was feeling really fatigued and tired and In alot of pain. I have been taking it over 2 months now have seen good benefits of it .

[IsleofWight1 in reply to KnitSewPurl]

Again, it’s good to hear of other people’s experiences. Thank you .

[Debbie_kinsey Administrator LUPUS UK]

Hi IsleofWight1

Fatigue can be so challenging to manage. We have a blog post with tips from other people with lupus in case there's anything in that you find helpful: lupusuk.org.uk/managing-fat...

It would be a good idea to talk your GP or consultant to talk about your fatigue and supplements, for two main reasons. Firstly, they can do an assessment to try and work out if the fatigue is due to your UCTD or something else, as Bobbydoodle discussed. They can also assess if any changes to your current treatment programme may help.

Secondly, they can do some testing of your vitamin levels to see if supplements may help, and check if they would impact any medications you're on. Some supplements can have a serious effect on some medications (like Warfarin), so it's important to check this out. It can also be easy to take too much of particular vitamins, which can have a negative impact on your health. On the other hand, some people with these kinds of conditions are deficient in some vitamins, like vitamin D, and supplementing helps them. It's all about finding what's right for you, your UCTD, and the treatments you are on.

Sorry there's not a straightforward answer! Speaking to your GP or consultant would be a great first step to seeing what might help you.

Take care,

Debbie

[IsleofWight1 in reply to Debbie_kinsey]

I’ll get tan appointment arranged for a blood test.

Thank you

[Betty909090]

Hi,

Many of us with AI diseases may also have gut absorption problems so the eg Vitamin Bs, iron etc cannot be absorbed from the gut due to loss/damage of INTRINSIC factor within the gut wall. Hence no matter how many supplements of vit B12 you take orally it will not be absorbed due to loss of intrinsic factor.

With me I have a Vit B 12 intramuscular injection every 3/4 months and blood tests to verify my levels!

Important.

[IsleofWight1 in reply to Betty909090]

That’s good to know. Thanks

[GottaAsk]

Both Vitamin D and B have helped me HUGELY ! I take Vitamin D at 4000 (whatever they are) units per day and Vitamin B at 5000