Supplements whilst on Preds

[Billiebobdog]

I have looked in the FAQ’s but is there a simple post with the information regarding supplements to take whilst on Preds? If not can someone with more knowledge than me create one please?

I’m looking for something that, in one place, lists the suggested supplements e.g. Calcium, Vitamin D etc, the best versions and timings of taking them as I am getting very confused about what is the best to take

I’ve added D3 and a calcium supplement which I take with breakfast, about 2 hours after the Preds, but I have a suspicion they may not be the right versions.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Quick answer…..you should have been prescribed VitD/Calcium supplement (1500mg/400iu) by GP - this brand is quite common - and can be purchased widely. Many take Vit K2 with it to help absorption. VitK2 mk 7 available from zipvit at good price.

zipvit.co.uk/vitamin-k2-mk-...

Others will be along with their views idc….

There is a post in preparation re timings of prescribed supplements, but we can’t really endorse others, it’s a bit of a minefield and all should be checked to ensure no issues with prescribed medications.

AdcalD3

[Anic]

I’m also looking for the same type of info. However additional to PMR/psoriatic arthritis I am on Thyroxine as I have had thyroid cancer in 2015.

[Nextoneplease in reply to Anic]

Me too 😊 Since I take meds six times a day for various conditions, I have settled on mid afternoon as being the optimum time for calcium and K2. Have taken Vit D with am pills for years now….and recently added low dose magnesium morning and evening as well as zinc after dinner (for my eyes). Still not sure I have it right so will look forward to reading the post in preparation about this.

[MrsNails]

Hi - As DorsetLady says there is a Post being prepared re Calcium as we speak….

However, My Recommendation is - book an appointment with your Pharmacist & they will go through all your Medications for you & advise about any clashes, such as Pred & Calcium & the best time to take your Meds.

Also l recommend you have All Your Prescriptions dispensed at the same Pharmacy as then any interactions should be picked up BUT always ask……

MrsN

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I have only ever taken calcium and vit D - and now don't even take the calcium as it caused bladder problems but it doesnt seem to have made a difference. Vit D is the more important. Many doctors are equivocal about calcium - the best source is dietary. Other than that, there is no real evidence for any other supplements and I doubt PMRGCAuk would endorse any in particular.

[Nextoneplease in reply to PMRpro]

Hi PMRpro 😊

I did stop taking my calcium supplement years ago and my calcium levels have remained good - I eat a lot of dairy and veg, maybe that’s it!

Have only thought I should add it in again after reading posts on here…

Magnesium definitely helps my cramp, and I take a zinc and lutein supplement in the hope that it may delay the development of the age related macular degeneration that I have.

I am due a blood test soon before next denosumab injection and if calcium levels are good, I think I’ll discontinue it for a while…..it can all get a bit much!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Nextoneplease]

Locally they seem to think vit D is the most important ...

[Nextoneplease in reply to PMRpro]

It’s been enough for me for the last few years….but that was before pred 🤷‍♀️

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Nextoneplease]

I've been on over 10mg for much of the last 12 years - bone density has hardly changed.

[Nextoneplease in reply to PMRpro]

That’s good news 😊

I have requested blood tests and a DEXA scan to see where I’m actually at with this x

[piglette]

I only take vitamin D with calcium for which I have a prescription. I try and get my vitamins from food rather than supplements. It is reckoned that 96% of supplements sold are not in fact needed. Although they do help to boost the coffers of the supplement suppliers.

[Bcol]

Morning, I only take Vit K2 and D, combined tablet, and reckon/hope I get everything else from my diet.