Vitamins

[Moulinr]

Hi I have rheumatoid arthritis, had it since December 2022 I was just wondering I've been trying to look into any vitamins that could help my body I was just looking for some advice if anyone else takes vitamins and what they take?

Thank you 🙂

[Amnesiac3637]

If you eat a well balanced diet and get out into the sunshine then the only people who will benefit from you taking extra vitamins are the manufacturers. Honestly, and I speak as a retired practice nurse, I wouldn’t bother unless you've been blood tested for a deficiency and then they’ll be prescribed.

People always think vitamins will do them good -and if medically necessary they will - but there’s very little proof (and in some cases they can cause toxicity) but mainly you take them and they just get peed out down the drain along -with your money - as your body will absorb what’s needed from your diet. Please don’t take my word for it and it is entirely up to you but that’s my advice. Save your hard-earned for something that’ll be really worth it!

[AgedCrone]

Unless you have a rubbish diet…which is most unlikely ….taking expensive vitamins won’t help your RA.

If your blood tests show you are deficient in any area your doctor will tell you & prescribe what you need.

Just maybe in the winter Vit D may help as we usually get too little sunshine in the country. ….but most people manage without it.

So keep your money in your purse.

[Deeb1764]

I take Vit D as tend to get low levels so shows in my bloods and I also take B12 now as a medication I take can cause this to drop as well. Both these Gp either prescribed or discussed with me. I also take magnesium as I get a lot of cramps.

Otherwise that’s it I only take what I need. I have gone down turmeric and many other routes but none seemed for ME to do anything apart from cost.

I eat well so I assume I get every need!

[Runrig01 in reply to Deeb1764]

I’m the same, although my Vit B complex is sublingual, because a few of my meds reduce absorption. Like you I take magnesium to help with the muscle spasms, which my gp recommended years ago.

When I took Vit B in tablet form it remained low on testing, now it sits at the top of the range.

[AgedCrone in reply to Runrig01]

Try a banana for your cramps.Those tennis players you see eating bananas don’t just fancy a snack…..bananas really help cramp.

[greynot]

When I was first diagnosed with rheumatoid, I was told NOT to take any vitamins or supplements without asking rheumatology first. In case they interact with the prescribed rheumatoid meds.

I asked specifically about turmeric and CBD and was told both were ok. Since then I've also been cleared to take biotin, which helps with the affects of methotrexate on my hair.

I've since taken courses of Vit D and ferrous fumarate, both prescribed in response to low blood levels.

So....ask your rheumy helpline/nurse/ whoever if you're thinking of taking anything specific.

And, as has been said above, have a good diet and you should get most if not all of what you need.

[Rainyda in reply to greynot]

I was advised to take Vit. D, and to eat other vitamins via meals.

[skinnycappuccino]

Hi there Moulinr, I take Vit D as prescribed by my rheumy 🌞 I think as long as you have a fairly varied, healthy diet there is no need for supplements (unless you're a vegan or something and need Vit B12)!

[helixhelix]

Good diet and vitamin D is my recipe.

So lots of plants, lean protein and not too much fatty and sugary stuff. And avoid highly processed food.

[Jackie1947]

I'm prescribed Vit D