Advise on Vitamins.

mrsmopp

Hi Folks,
Can anyone help on some advise on what vitamins they take. Had a look today, totally confused there are loads of different types, prices and varieties of the same thing.

livinglegend

I asked my local pharmacist, as it depends on age, diet, etc. and it's no good taking them if you don't really need them.

Joseph 8)

jackie1955

Hi,
About 7 months ago I decided to go on a health kick, get fit, lose weight etc So I decided to get some vitamins too. Had Multi-Vitamins With Iron, Vitamin B Complex, Cod Liver Oil and Evening Primrose Capsules (didn't know then I all my aches and pains were due to RA ).

Can't say I noticed any difference whatsoever! In fact I'd advise you not to take them unless your doctor/nurse recommends you need a supplement.

Last week I was counselled with the nurse about starting the MTX and I showed her what I'd been taking....... she said I didn't need the Vit B Complex because the Multi-Vit already contained the RDA of B vitamins!

She said to stop taking the B Complex but to carry on with the rest because when they next test my blood they will be looking for any changes, so if I stoppedall the vits I've been having it could mislead the result regarding the MTX, if you get what I mean!

So, have a sensible healthy diet, lots of fruit and veg, and don't bother starting on vits - else you might end up having to keep buyng them like me lol

Jackie x

jaspercat

Hi, on the advice of my Rheumy I take Multi-vits, Vit C and Cod Lever Oil Capsules, recently I have started to take some Evening Primrose capsules, they are supposed to be good for female problems love Jaspercatxx

becs123

ARCs did a review of complementary medicines and therapies, which included tests on the effects of some vitamins. It reviewed their effectiveness for people with RA or OA.

http://www.arc.org.uk/arthinfo/default.asp

There is a pdf on the right hand side of the page.

bailey27

Hi
I work as a personal trainer and get asked this question alot.
You dont need to supplement your diet at all unless you have a deficiency.
Some people feel better for taking extra vitamins even if it is psychological.

Personally before I was diagnosed by my GP I would take Solgar Multi vitamin, Udo's Oil and Wheatgrass. (Not at the same time though)

I havent taken any supplements at all since my GP told me I have arthritis a while back as I dont want them to interfere with any blood tests I have.

mrsmopp

Many Thanks for all your feedback. Its much appreciated.

jimmy77

mrsmopp wrote:

Hi Folks,
Can anyone help on some advise on what vitamins they take. Had a look today, totally confused there are loads of different types, prices and varieties of the same thing.

Hi,
Personnally I take vitamin D which I think is real important if your not in an area wher you get lots of sun- twice per day , calcium 2x, fish oil 4x,B-12 1x, and a mult-vitamin.

Good luck, Jimmy

livinglegend

jimmy77 wrote:

Personnally I take vitamin D which I think is real important if your not in an area wher you get lots of sun- twice per day , calcium 2x, fish oil 4x,B-12 1x, and a mult-vitamin.

Good luck, Jimmy

Hi Jimmy

Have you checked the %RDA, (Recommended Daily Allowance), for the multi-vitamins. It will be on the label and you may not need the extra Vitamin D or B12. Most multi-vitamins have 100 %RDA for those. Worth a check. I stopped the extra ones I used to take as it just cost money for no gain. It's also possible to overdose on vitamins.

The most common cause of vitamin D toxicity is an overdose through a supplement. It is very rare to overdose through diet unless an excess of cod liver oil is consumed.

Vitamin D toxicity can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, weight loss, as well as confusion and heart rhythm abnormalities, according to the National Institute of Health.
http://www.feelgoodagain.co.uk/Vitamin D deficiency latest news.htm

Vitamin D toxicity is most likely to arise from people taking vitamin supplements or fish oil supplements containing vitamin D.

Joseph 8)

averyniceman

I'm pretty well a vegetarian -- and although that doesn't lead to any problems getting vitamins, it DOES lead to problems getting enough iron.

So I do take a multi vitamin tablet -- with Iron, every day. That's the easiest way to supplement my iron intake.

I've found the cheapest come from Holland and Barrett -- much cheaper than anywhere else I know, and the same active ingredients as ones which cost more than three times as much.