Supplements during Covid

[Gitaga]

Hi

Is it wise to take supplements as suggested widely by the general public as a means of providing immunity because of covid 19.?

Its concerning since immunosuppressants are doing the opposite. I think 🤔

I know of people loading up on zinc, vitamin C & D, etc.

I'm just on my regular multivitamin and calcium.

Think I'm having an attack of FOMO (FEAR OF MISSING OUT)

Thanks guys 😘😘

[Lolabridge]

I just listened to a podcast posted by marionfromhappydays which said zinc can interfere with the effect of some RA drugs but the Rheumatologist did not specify which ones.So I think it’s best to ask your own Rheumy for advice or check with your pharmacist.

[Gitaga in reply to Lolabridge]

Thanks for that. I will

[oldtimer]

“The evidence in the scientific literature to support vitamin supplements is pretty dreadful,” says Tim. “I would say there's absolutely no data to support most of them, with only two or three possible exceptions.”This is from Zoe (Tim Spector) which seems to be a reliable source of information: covid.joinzoe.com/post/vita...

You will get lots of posts from people who swear by their particular potion, but it's better and cheaper to rely on accurate information!

[Gitaga in reply to oldtimer]

Thank you. That was a very informative read😊

[medway-lady]

I'm prescribed Ad Cal Vit D by my Nephrologist and the government did send a letter way back offering them to people on the risk register. I'd suggest you ask your GP or RA team and they can prescribe a medication dose if you decide to go for them. Just a quick note the tablet form of Vit D really upset my stomach but the chewy Ad Cal doesn't although I've no idea why.

[Gitaga in reply to medway-lady]

Thank you

[helixhelix]

I have vit D prescribed as my levels are always low. Apart from that I am very happy to miss out on spending money on supplements as I spend it on good healthy food instead. Much more fun!

[Hidden in reply to helixhelix]

My levels remain below normal, they’re telling me I need to continue to take a daily supplement, but they won’t continue to prescribe it. If I ‘want’ to keep taking it, I now have to buy my own 👀

[helixhelix in reply to Hidden]

FFS! How mean can one get.....?

[Hidden in reply to helixhelix]

Glad it’s not just me thinking that!! 😂 It’s only a fiver a month, but at the same time, it’s part and parcel of managing my chronic illness, and they know my personal circumstances.

[MuppetBaby in reply to Hidden]

If it’s just vitamin D you need. I get Valu Pak at 99p for 60 tablets. They often kept it behind the counter in my chemist and the more expensive ones on the shelf. 1000iu each tablet. I take two a day in winter and one in Summer.

[Hidden in reply to MuppetBaby]

Because I’m still deficient and have been since diagnosis, I’ve been told to continue to take 3200iu daily. They were prescribing it but have said although I still need it, I now have to buy it. Can get plenty of cheaper ones like valupak, but the cheapest single cap at that specific dose is about a fiver a month, and that’s the dose they want me on 🤷‍♂️

[Gitaga in reply to Hidden]

Thats awful. Just went to get braces for my wrists and I was told that Med Aid will no longer cover it. Will cost me R1000. So unfair.

[Gitaga in reply to helixhelix]

I don't Vit D sill ever be a problem for me. Lol. I live in sunny South Africa 😎😎

[helixhelix in reply to Gitaga]

I’m in the sun/outdoors all the time (I don’t live in the UK) and mine is still through he floor!

[Gitaga in reply to helixhelix]

Sorry, 😕

[Hidden]

You are prescribed medication that are classified as immunosuppressants because you have a immune system that has gone haywire. The goal of these medications are to modulate or normalise your over active immune system, this is why they are called Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs). Taking medications to boost you immune system is countering the precise reason you are DMARDs in the first place. They can also interact with the DMARDs and cause damage to the liver. Always check with your doctors before taking any vitamins or supplements. Vitamin d is proven safe (and difficult to get in high doses through food), but many other vitamins are best gained through food- taking a load of vitamins that your body does not need is expensive.

[Gitaga in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. This confirms my belief