Vitamins/supplements

[essexgirl]

Hi does anyone take any supplements/ vitamins even though they are on MTX

[MadBunny]

Vitamin B12 injections and VitD& calcium. Both were prescribed by the consultant. I'm on B12 because if anaemia and D because I'm borderline for osteoporosis. I was also put on iron supplements at one point when my ferritin levels dropped but that's ok now.

[essexgirl in reply to MadBunny]

Thankyou

[Lolabridge]

It’s always best to check with your Rheumy team before you take any vitamins and supplements.I had an appointment with my consultant yesterday and asked if I could take collagen and he said fine.

[essexgirl in reply to Lolabridge]

Thankyou yes I will do

[essexgirl in reply to Lolabridge]

I’m seeing my consultant Monday so I’ll ask her then

[MadBunny in reply to essexgirl]

Forgot to say that's all I do take x

[essexgirl in reply to MadBunny]

Ok x

[Hessie5]

Hi -

Firstly, I use food first to get my vitamins then supplement.

I had always taken the core ones even when I was on MTX - even more so being on a biologic, but you must check with your consultant to let them know.

Besides my collagen, protein etc. Essentials for me is D3 (with K2) short term then I switch to D3, Vitamin C, B12 (now and again, that liquid iron drink when I feel tired).

That is my regime, but we all have different needs, so do check with your professional consultant. All the best 🙂 -Hessie

[essexgirl in reply to Hessie5]

Thankyou Hessie 😊

[helixhelix]

Only prescribed Vit D as my readings are always low.

But lots of leafy green veg!

[essexgirl in reply to helixhelix]

Thankyou helixhelix 😊

[Deeb1764]

I take B12, Vit D, Ginko Bilbao, ultra garlic, Flaxseed Capsules and for hair biotin and marine collagen capsules.

[Hidden in reply to Deeb1764]

I’m the same as Deeb

[essexgirl in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou J1707 😊

[essexgirl in reply to Deeb1764]

Thankyou Deeb 😊

[RheumST in reply to Deeb1764]

Research has shown that Ginko fails to deliver any of the promises. Flaxseed capsules on the other hand were recommended to me by my Optometrist for "dry eye" kind of symptoms and it has worked well for me. Far better than any of the Eye drops recommended by an Ophtalmologist. It may have some other benefits too.

[KittyJ]

Yes I do but they are on the advice of my doctors when I have been tested and found to be deficient or advised they could help. Please check with your doctors before taking any supplements.

[essexgirl in reply to KittyJ]

I will thankyou I have rhuemy app Monday thankyou kitty 😊

[Hidden]

Hi Essexgirl. I have just started taking a supplement called GLC2000. It was recommended by someone at my gym. It is Glucosamine and Chondroitin.

I've been taking it nearly 4 weeks now and generally my body feels much more free

[essexgirl in reply to Hidden]

Hi not heard of that one , thankyou Emalou 😊

[springcross]

HI essexgirl. I take Vit D, Biotin and Marine Collagen powder.

[Sheila_G]

I take 4000iu of vitamin D each day on the advice of my son who is a biomedical scientist.

[runningbracken]

I take B12, omega 3, Cod liver oil, Glucosamine ,Bromelain (pineapple extract) and Papain (Papaya Enzyn)

[HappykindaGal]

Yes. Vitamin D, K and C. Ashtanga (sp), Organic MSM Sulfur, Bitter Melon and Omega 3.

No idea if they do anything though 😊

[Tkat10]

I always took B vit complex slow release to head off the mouth ulcers as best I could.

[Oneta]

I take fish oil, lyprinol(green lipped mussel oil) and Vit D and Vit C daily

[Green230461]

I take vit D and iron tablets. Told by the doctor that they would do me good!

[essexgirl]

Thankyou you everyone for your replies, I will speak to my rhuemy on Monday 😊

[Arlescote]

Vitamin D3 prescribed by my consultant with methotrexate.

[Circlrdancer]

I checked all ok with my rheumatologist and take Omega 3 (algae oil), Biokult probiotics, vitamin D and Biotin ( for hair and skin). I've read various articles, including on the Covid Zoe/ Oxford Uni app, that probiotics, vitamin D and Omega 3 have been found to give some protection against covid. I was quite pleased to read that.😊

[PSAWarrior28]

Marine Collagen & Probiotic for gut health (I'm on prednisolone which does my gut no favours), D3 with K2, biotin, methylfolate, red krill oil (high in omega 3).

[Hidden]

Seven Seas Perfect7 Woman 50+ Max which has all sorts in and an extra B12.

[Mumcon]

Vit D as I’m low in it Iron supplement when I get low All prescribed by Gp x

[essexgirl]

Thankyou you all 😘

[bienassis]

I'm a bit late on this, but just to say I was advised by my rheumatologist to take vitamin C as it helps the absorption of iron - therefore, can help prevent iron deficiency anaemia.

I also take B12 and Calcichew (calcium and Vit D).

I've been on Methotrexate for 23years.

[essexgirl in reply to bienassis]

Wow 23 years … thankyou 😊

[Uga35570]

Unlike most of others I take no supplements on advice of rheumatologist, Also on 25mg mxt by injection. She says if you eat a balanced diet there is no need for supplements.

[essexgirl in reply to Uga35570]

Of course a balanced diet but I’m a celiac so I get low on certain things … Thankyou 😊

[RheumST in reply to Uga35570]

How about Folic Acid, or better yet Folate ? It is supposed to disable something in the body that weakens the effect of MTX.

[HamHammy]

I take vitamin D, vitamin C

[Blodynhaul]

I was on MTX for about 13 years and can't remember getting a cold or flu etc. Every time I felt under the weather, I'd take 5000mg of Vit. C, two nights running, or 3000mg a day for 3 days. It worked a treat keeping infections at bay. The last couple of years (on Leflunamide) as menopause was a problem, I started a daily Centrum Women Over-50 multi-vitamin - and that has worked really well too. Right now, 5 weeks into Adalimumab/Humira, I have bad flu symptoms (forgotten how many years since that) & will have to have a covid test, but I've been so careful, I think it's probably flu. Can't help feel it's another one of the unwelcome reactions I'm having to the Adalimumab. I'm taking the Vit C again (3 days only), but had stopped the Centrum a few weeks back (not sure why, just forgot), but perhaps that was doing a good job, so starting that again too.

[cross2]

Like the Madbunny said you should ask your Rheumy before taking anything, as everyone is different. Your Rheumy will keep you right. I recently had to have a potassium, Vit B12 and Magnesium drip due to deficiency. I regularly take Omega 3, magnesium, zinc and folic acid tablets.

[RheumST in reply to cross2]

Finally someone who takes Folic Acid.

[Ros23]

Turmeric & black pepper capsules from the health shop 👍

[RheumST]

Depending on your age you may not need to take anything if you eat a well balanced diet. Lots of greens, fruits, some grain and limited meat. Stay away from processed foods (hot dogs, sausage, cold meats etc.)

Older people need vitamin B12 because as we get old we cannot get this from our diet (due to reduced stomach acidity). Vitamin D is also recommended for anyone who does not get any Sun, or lives in parts of the world where it is limited esp during winter.

So, all this stuff above for healthy people.

Same holds for those on MTX, and other Rheum Meds. If on MTX your doctor should have prescribed Folic Acid 1000 mcg. Although, in the USA at least, you will not find this on Walgreens or CVS shelves (largest does is about 800) but I order it on Amazon (as much I despise and hate Amazon). There is only suggestive research data that Curcumin (Turmeric spice) may reduce inflammation somewhat, so some people take it. You can get it in any Indian market a lot cheaper, but perhaps less convenient than the capsule form.

Most anything else people may recommend is of questionable value at this point.

The easiest and most informative information is available from Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) put out a great publication called Nutrition Action. They have 10 issues per year and feature the most up to date research information not only on foods, but also about medical issues and often focus on a topic such as Breast Cancer, or Vitamins, or Exercise. Each issue is slim with about 6-7 pages but well worth the cost. You can get the print or digital version, or both. No advertising, no BS. I find it is far better than any of the Health Letter publications from Mayo Clinic or any other Institution.

cspinet.org/

Of course I am extremely skeptical, as befits anyone who is trained in Science.

Save your money from enriching the hucksters who sell tons of stuff that does nothing except trim your wallet : )

[Durrell]

Hi essexgirl, I know you’ve had good responses, I’m meant to reply to you before now.., yes I take many supplements alongside MTX. Take a look at Emily Johnsons her new book called arthritis foodie!! She has a web site & I believe she does a blog, she’s young & diagnosed with RA buts she’s very informative..

[essexgirl in reply to Durrell]

Thankyou Durrell I’ll take a look 😊

[Durrell in reply to essexgirl]

Your welcome, i think your find it informative 🙃

[essexgirl]

Your welcome 😊