Supplement Questions

biggphatdaddy

What kind of supplements are you taking? Brands? Purpose for each of them?
Did you go see a doctor before you started to figure out what you need?

I am thinking about adding supplements to my regimine after the new year, but am not sure....

TheMaidOfAstolat

Vega protein shakes (need the extra protein in my diet...I'm trying to gain muscle)
Clif bars (only if I plan on running 3+ miles and need the extra carbs)
Raw One for Women by Vitamin Code (my multi)

*edit-forgot to add my multi, lol.

watkinsc

Don't waste your money. Get your nutrients from food.

jkestens63

Unfortunately, I don't vary my diet enough to get all my nutrients from food. My doctor has always recommended a multi-vit, doesn't really matter what brand so I actually use an off brand from Walgreens. I also take a 1x per day fish oil supplement (heart healthy), flaxseed oil (hair health), and vitamin C since I can't handle anything with citrus. Some will say supplements and vitamins are a rip off but I have not gotten sick in two years, and when I did get sick, it was a stomach virus that went through the work place. Haven't gotten a cold in I don't know how long.

Granted I exercise a lot and although not a varied diet, it is healthy - so I'm sure all these factor lead to good health. All I know is I feel GREAT!

PLUMSGRL

Nature's Plus Source of Life Vit/Min ~ you just CAN'T get the MDR from food (unless your cals are around 3000/day)
Extra Vit C and D for the immune system...

PhreeThePharmer

Hi, good question. I'm a pharmacy student, graduating this May with a Doctor of Pharmacy, and I have a particular interest and have worked with regular medicine as much as supplements, herbal, and other alternative treatments. I don't recommend many of the "weight loss" supplements, but I can recommend some basics that I think are helpful:

1. A good multivitamin:
There are tons of different brands out there, and often price is of the most concern to people. However, I'm a believer in whole food vitamins as being more recognizable to your body as food and thus are more well absorbed. Some I'd recommend - New Chapter (available at health food stores, coops, etc. usually), MegaFood, or Rainbow Light. All of these offer Men's, Women's, and both gender 40+ vitamin styles.

2. Vitamin 1000 IU daily
New research shows that Vitamin D isn't being produced in adequate amounts in most people, depending on where you live and how much sun you're exposed to. Also, it is fortified in dairy products so it depends how much you eat these foods. In addition, Vitamin D was originally thought of only as a necessity for mood and for appropriate calcium absorption (good for the bones) but research is coming out now showing its effects on boosting your immune strength and even preventing some types of cancer.

3. Fish Oil - 1000mg daily
This can work wonders - it has cardiovascular benefits (helps your heart, can reduce cholesterol) and as well helps brain and memory function, helps skin disorders ranging from simple dry skin to conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It also helps hair, nails, and skin to be more healthy! When selecting a product, check out the source of the fish oil, a good brand will list the amounts of DHA and EPA (the omega-3 fatty acids necessary for producing effects) and for best effects should be taken after or with a meal. I prefer Nordic Naturals but there are many good brands out there, I'd avoid like "supermarket" brands particularly here and would seek out a natural food store or GNC-type.

4. Probiotics - once daily
Most people have heard of probiotics from the Activia yogurt, but stores now have many products containing various strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus, which is essentially good bacteria for your entire gastrointestinal tract. Not only will these keep you "regular" but they also help prevent stomach bugs, can help your immunity by preventing growth of bad bacteria in your GI tract, and can help you to absorb the foods you eat better. I take one of these every morning on an empty stomach and find it helps. I absolutely recommend these as well if you get prescribed any antibiotics - they help re-establish the normal flora of bacteria in your stomach. Often the best ones are found in a refrigerated section of the supplement stores.

As for weight loss, energy, and what not, B12 is a good supplement to add, particularly if you don't eat a lot of meat. For women I always advise calcium in addition to vitamin D. Magnesium is excellent for relaxing muscles if you work out a lot or have chronic muscle aches.... lets see.... I could go on and on but the above are my top recommendations for everyone. There are certainly different concerns based on age and sex.

As for speaking with a doctor, the above 4 I listed would generally be accepted and should not interact with any medications you may be taking. BUT always, always let your doctor know that you take these supplements daily. It makes it easier for them in the event that you end up in the hospital for some reason to keep you getting everything you take at home. The only concern you may hear is of increased bleeding risk with fish oil, but at 1000mg daily this is a minimal risk. If you take any other blood thinner (Coumadin aka warfarin, Plavix, Aggrenox, or Aspirin more than 81mg daily) then check with your doctor before taking fish oils.

I'm always happy to answer any questions on supplements or medications if you have more questions/concerns about particular brands or particular supplements.

Hope I've helped and didn't overwhelm with info!

jen0619

Hi, good question. I'm a pharmacy student, graduating this May with a Doctor of Pharmacy, and I have a particular interest and have worked with regular medicine as much as supplements, herbal, and other alternative treatments. I don't recommend many of the "weight loss" supplements, but I can recommend some basics that I think are helpful:

1. A good multivitamin:
There are tons of different brands out there, and often price is of the most concern to people. However, I'm a believer in whole food vitamins as being more recognizable to your body as food and thus are more well absorbed. Some I'd recommend - New Chapter (available at health food stores, coops, etc. usually), MegaFood, or Rainbow Light. All of these offer Men's, Women's, and both gender 40+ vitamin styles.

2. Vitamin 1000 IU daily
New research shows that Vitamin D isn't being produced in adequate amounts in most people, depending on where you live and how much sun you're exposed to. Also, it is fortified in dairy products so it depends how much you eat these foods. In addition, Vitamin D was originally thought of only as a necessity for mood and for appropriate calcium absorption (good for the bones) but research is coming out now showing its effects on boosting your immune strength and even preventing some types of cancer.

3. Fish Oil - 1000mg daily
This can work wonders - it has cardiovascular benefits (helps your heart, can reduce cholesterol) and as well helps brain and memory function, helps skin disorders ranging from simple dry skin to conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It also helps hair, nails, and skin to be more healthy! When selecting a product, check out the source of the fish oil, a good brand will list the amounts of DHA and EPA (the omega-3 fatty acids necessary for producing effects) and for best effects should be taken after or with a meal. I prefer Nordic Naturals but there are many good brands out there, I'd avoid like "supermarket" brands particularly here and would seek out a natural food store or GNC-type.

4. Probiotics - once daily
Most people have heard of probiotics from the Activia yogurt, but stores now have many products containing various strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus, which is essentially good bacteria for your entire gastrointestinal tract. Not only will these keep you "regular" but they also help prevent stomach bugs, can help your immunity by preventing growth of bad bacteria in your GI tract, and can help you to absorb the foods you eat better. I take one of these every morning on an empty stomach and find it helps. I absolutely recommend these as well if you get prescribed any antibiotics - they help re-establish the normal flora of bacteria in your stomach. Often the best ones are found in a refrigerated section of the supplement stores.

As for weight loss, energy, and what not, B12 is a good supplement to add, particularly if you don't eat a lot of meat. For women I always advise calcium in addition to vitamin D. Magnesium is excellent for relaxing muscles if you work out a lot or have chronic muscle aches.... lets see.... I could go on and on but the above are my top recommendations for everyone. There are certainly different concerns based on age and sex.

As for speaking with a doctor, the above 4 I listed would generally be accepted and should not interact with any medications you may be taking. BUT always, always let your doctor know that you take these supplements daily. It makes it easier for them in the event that you end up in the hospital for some reason to keep you getting everything you take at home. The only concern you may hear is of increased bleeding risk with fish oil, but at 1000mg daily this is a minimal risk. If you take any other blood thinner (Coumadin aka warfarin, Plavix, Aggrenox, or Aspirin more than 81mg daily) then check with your doctor before taking fish oils.

I'm always happy to answer any questions on supplements or medications if you have more questions/concerns about particular brands or particular supplements.

Hope I've helped and didn't overwhelm with info!

I found this most beneficial thank you

binary_jester

Don't waste your money. Get your nutrients from food.

Gosh that is a helpful and informed statement. Do you have any info to back that up? Just curious because the question was WHAT are you taking, not if you think they are a good idea.

jojoworks

Hi, good question. I'm a pharmacy student, graduating this May with a Doctor of Pharmacy, and I have a particular interest and have worked with regular medicine as much as supplements, herbal, and other alternative treatments. I don't recommend many of the "weight loss" supplements, but I can recommend some basics that I think are helpful:

1. A good multivitamin:
There are tons of different brands out there, and often price is of the most concern to people. However, I'm a believer in whole food vitamins as being more recognizable to your body as food and thus are more well absorbed. Some I'd recommend - New Chapter (available at health food stores, coops, etc. usually), MegaFood, or Rainbow Light. All of these offer Men's, Women's, and both gender 40+ vitamin styles.

2. Vitamin 1000 IU daily
New research shows that Vitamin D isn't being produced in adequate amounts in most people, depending on where you live and how much sun you're exposed to. Also, it is fortified in dairy products so it depends how much you eat these foods. In addition, Vitamin D was originally thought of only as a necessity for mood and for appropriate calcium absorption (good for the bones) but research is coming out now showing its effects on boosting your immune strength and even preventing some types of cancer.

3. Fish Oil - 1000mg daily
This can work wonders - it has cardiovascular benefits (helps your heart, can reduce cholesterol) and as well helps brain and memory function, helps skin disorders ranging from simple dry skin to conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It also helps hair, nails, and skin to be more healthy! When selecting a product, check out the source of the fish oil, a good brand will list the amounts of DHA and EPA (the omega-3 fatty acids necessary for producing effects) and for best effects should be taken after or with a meal. I prefer Nordic Naturals but there are many good brands out there, I'd avoid like "supermarket" brands particularly here and would seek out a natural food store or GNC-type.

4. Probiotics - once daily
Most people have heard of probiotics from the Activia yogurt, but stores now have many products containing various strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus, which is essentially good bacteria for your entire gastrointestinal tract. Not only will these keep you "regular" but they also help prevent stomach bugs, can help your immunity by preventing growth of bad bacteria in your GI tract, and can help you to absorb the foods you eat better. I take one of these every morning on an empty stomach and find it helps. I absolutely recommend these as well if you get prescribed any antibiotics - they help re-establish the normal flora of bacteria in your stomach. Often the best ones are found in a refrigerated section of the supplement stores.

As for weight loss, energy, and what not, B12 is a good supplement to add, particularly if you don't eat a lot of meat. For women I always advise calcium in addition to vitamin D. Magnesium is excellent for relaxing muscles if you work out a lot or have chronic muscle aches.... lets see.... I could go on and on but the above are my top recommendations for everyone. There are certainly different concerns based on age and sex.

As for speaking with a doctor, the above 4 I listed would generally be accepted and should not interact with any medications you may be taking. BUT always, always let your doctor know that you take these supplements daily. It makes it easier for them in the event that you end up in the hospital for some reason to keep you getting everything you take at home. The only concern you may hear is of increased bleeding risk with fish oil, but at 1000mg daily this is a minimal risk. If you take any other blood thinner (Coumadin aka warfarin, Plavix, Aggrenox, or Aspirin more than 81mg daily) then check with your doctor before taking fish oils.

I'm always happy to answer any questions on supplements or medications if you have more questions/concerns about particular brands or particular supplements.

Hope I've helped and didn't overwhelm with info!

I like how you think!!! Great response and very good information.
FYI, I take fish oil, vit D and vit B-12 daily . the rest I get from food. I eat a veggie intensive diet that's diverse and very healthy.

Good luck, happy eating and happy holidays all!
JoJo

mlb929

I take a multi-vitamin, Omega 3, 6, 9, a fish oil, fiber supplement, iodine, CoQ10, and B-12, Magnesium, and Trace Minerals and pro-biotics (Dr. O brand ) as well. All of my supplements are under the advice of a medical provider and I have previously been tested. The tests were blood work for cholesterol level, saliva for adrenal fatigue and hormones, and tissue mineral testing for samples to find out what I was missing. My diet is very healthy but simply put, foods just don't have the values of vitamins and minerals they used to. The key to supplements is good quality and make sure they are not contaminated. I use the UniKey brand, they are more expensive, but worth it because my body absorbs them not just pushed through my system. They are also guaranteed to be good quality. Example, many "mass" fish oils I belch fish taste all day long, but I don't with this brand.

mlb929

I'm always happy to answer any questions on supplements or medications if you have more questions/concerns about particular brands or particular supplements.

Hope I've helped and didn't overwhelm with info!

I'm curious, one of my running magazines has a large article on Resveratrol this past summer. My dr and the compounding pharmacy both didn't know anything about it or the risks and benefits. Do you have any information? My concern is there wasn't enough research on it's long term use to know for certain what the benefits/risks are or aren't.