Supplements

Do you take any supplements of any kind that you think are really great?

I've read really good things about MSM relating to skin conditions (melasma, rosacea, etc.) even though it's sold as a joint pain product, so I'm thinking of trying it. Also heard excellent things about grapefruit seed extract for the same sort of issues. I've never been one to try supplements since I eat what I think is a pretty healthy and balanced diet, but I'm now thinking I might be missing out on something. What do you think? (Not that we need to talk about those particular ones, just wondering if anyone takes anything worthwhile for any condition or general health improvement.)

I take a multi-vitamin (whenever I remember to take it anyway).  I bought some homeopathic stuff awhile back at Holland & Barrett that's supposed to help lessen the symptoms of PMT (PMS/perimenopausal hormone-mood swings) but when I took it, it didn't seem to make a blind bit of difference. 

I take a vitamin D supplement.

My doctor says that most people who live further north of the equator are vitamin D deficient because we don't have as many opportunities to get sun exposure.  I live in New England, and she said that practically speaking, our latitude will only give us 3 months per year of productive sun exposure - during the summer.  She said if I moved to the UK, it'll be the same type deal so I should continue to take vitamin D supplements, especially as a young woman for bone health.

They did a blood test to check, and sure enough, my levels were at 13 ng/mL.  The sufficient level is 30 ng/mL.

http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/time-for-more-vitamin-d.htm

I take a vitamin D supplement.

My doctor says that most people who live further north of the equator are vitamin D deficient because we don't have as many opportunities to get sun exposure.  I live in New England, and she said that practically speaking, our latitude will only give us 3 months per year of productive sun exposure - during the summer.  She said if I moved to the UK, it'll be the same type deal so I should continue to take vitamin D supplements, especially as a young woman for bone health.

They did a blood test to check, and sure enough, my levels were at 13 ng/mL.  The sufficient level is 30 ng/mL.

http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/time-for-more-vitamin-d.htm

I've posted more than I care to admit on here about about Vit D. Mine tanked out around 7 or so.

I now take a Vit D/Calcium supplement and am looking to take some other so I'm watching this thread with interest for possible ideas...

I take Vit D and Vit B (a multi B). I just bought some Vit D today and I laughed when I saw on the container 'To get you through the winter months'. Uh....this is Ireland, I need it all year!!!

I take a multi-vitamin (whenever I remember to take it anyway).  I bought some homeopathic stuff awhile back at Holland & Barrett that's supposed to help lessen the symptoms of PMT (PMS/perimenopausal hormone-mood swings) but when I took it, it didn't seem to make a blind bit of difference. 

MSM is supposed to help with that, too. I was reading somewhere online about how excess copper in the body leads to stronger PMS symptoms and all sorts of other things (including melasma and joint pain) and the MSM is supposed to bind to the copper and help remove it from your system. I guess I will find out if it helps or not. I just ordered some the other day and will try it for a bit and report back! I'm also planning to take it with a vitamin C since its supposed to maximise the effectiveness of the MSM. Apparently grapefruit seed extract is supposed to be really useful for a lot of things, too, so I may look into that.

Be careful with grapefruit stuff.  If you are on any other drugs I know grapefruit juice can cause serious issues.  My mother had big problems with her bp medication and it was because she took it with grapefruit juice in the morning.  

Unless you have a liver issue it is unlikely that you have a raised level of copper, unless you use uncoated copper pans or take supplements.  Your body excretes excess copper with bile.

I have a berocca everyday and take Vit B complex and Vit D.  I only recently realised that my berocca has no calcium so I am looking into taking one of those.

I have a berocca everyday and take Vit B complex and Vit D.  I only recently realised that my berocca has no calcium so I am looking into taking one of those.

Does your Vit D not come with the calcium? Over here, that's the preferred way to take it because D helps you absorb calcium. You're also supposed to take it with orange juice or something a bit acid to aid digestion.

Does your Vit D not come with the calcium? Over here, that's the preferred way to take it because D helps you absorb calcium. You're also supposed to take it with orange juice or something a bit acid to aid digestion.

You can get it both ways here - calcium with vit D & K, and also just plain vit D.

Does your Vit D not come with the calcium? Over here, that's the preferred way to take it because D helps you absorb calcium. You're also supposed to take it with orange juice or something a bit acid to aid digestion.

Just Vit D only.  Good to hear there is a combination one though.  Will definitely get that!

I take Vitamin C and B Complex. I am looking for an Iron supplement but have taken one in the past and an iron pill was too strong for my system. Can anyone recommend anything here? I also don't think I do too well with multi-vitamins but am open to trying them again as it's been several years.

I take Vitamin C and B Complex. I am looking for an Iron supplement but have taken one in the past and an iron pill was too strong for my system. Can anyone recommend anything here? I also don't think I do too well with multi-vitamins but am open to trying them again as it's been several years.

When I had DD 3 years ago I started taking Iron with Vit C supplements to aid energy levels.  My stomach had no problems with it.     It was from H&B.

Currently I'm taking a New Mother supplement and will be looking for a new Multi-V once that runs out.  I also take pure Omega-3.  It's supposed to be good for a number of things joints, heart, brain just to name a few.

Evening Primrose Oil is supposed to be good for PMT, endometriosis and Fibrocystic breasts & some inflamatory disorders.   I know Tesco's used to do a Multi-V with EPO in it.  I was taking it a year or two ago and thought it worked rather well.  I don't know if they still sell it or if someone else does one now, but it may be worth looking into. 

My mom is an ex-RN.  Says she would have been a witch in times gone by, because she believes in homeopathic choices for preventative meds. 

That said, on her recommendation I take

Multi Vit for the micronutrients and extra stuff.
Vit C for immune system..
Vit D + Ca for bones etc.
Vit E for skin.
B Complex for the brainpan.

I dispense about three weeks worth of tabs into a smaller container and keep it in an obvious place (next to my sitting spot on the sofa).  If I had to fuss with remembering to go to the place where I store them and open each container every day, I'd not be inclined to bother.

I'm a single gal who tries to eat well and does better on somedays rather than others.  I've always wanted to be interested in cooking and baking but it's never worked out.  So I just buy the stuff I know I'll make, incorporate as much fresh produce and as little junky stuff as possible - do my daily supplements and hope for the best.   

I take Vitamin C and B Complex. I am looking for an Iron supplement but have taken one in the past and an iron pill was too strong for my system. Can anyone recommend anything here? I also don't think I do too well with multi-vitamins but am open to trying them again as it's been several years.

There's a liquid iron supplement that a lot of midwives recommend when their patients get low iron and the can't stomach the pills. I think it starts with an F but I can't recall the name... someone here will I hope!