Supplements

scampagnone · April 2

Good afternoon everyone. I met with a functional nutritionist yesterday. She suggested several vitamins and supplements to help with chronic pain and inflammation. They included vitamin D with K, vitamin B, and magnesium. Has anyone had any experience with these supplements?

AnnPT77 · April 2

Did you have blood tests confirming that you're deficient or even low-normal in those things? Beginning a supplement can mask deficiencies in subsequent blood tests in some cases, so testing first for a baseline can be helpful. It's possible to get too much of certain nutrients, and the fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) can be more sensitive than water soluble ones (Bs).

I do supplement vitamin D, K, and magnesium (magnesium citrate in my case), among other things. I can't tell you whether they've reduced systemic inflammation, because that's a complicated question. (I do think reaching a healthy weight and active probably reduced systemic inflammation in my case, and for sure those things reduced frequency/severity of joint pain (from arthritis, torn meniscus).) I've not experienced any negative side effects from the supplements, to the best of my knowledge.

I have to admit, as much as possible I prefer to get nutrients from food, rather than supplements. There are good food sources of some of those nutrients.

One final comment: If you're in the US, I'd suggest some caution about advice from a nutritionist. In many US states, anyone can call themselves a "nutritionist", with literally no relevant formal education/certifications, or with a short questionable-quality online course. A "registered dietitian" (RD) is the designation for well-credentialed nutrition professionals in the US. If the nutritionist sells the supplements, I'd be particularly cautious. The situation can be different in other countries.

Best wishes!

yirara · April 3

Yeah, what AnnP said. Also, there's not one vitamin B, there are many. And one of them, vitamin B6 is neurotoxic. It's often offered in very high amounts. If you're in the EU you'll unlikely get amounts that can be dangerous, but in other countries, including the US? Don't just drop vitamins like candy. Get tested properly first to see whether you have any deficiencies.

MargaretYakoda · April 3

I take a single magnesium tablet once a week. It seems to help me avoid leg cramps.

I also have had my B12 tested once to check if either lack or excess was causing my balance symptoms. Or maybe the neurologist was checking to see if I was a covert alcoholic lying about the fact that I don’t drink. I’m not sure. She was a (redacted) doctor and I won’t ever have the chance to ask why she ordered that particular test. I’m off topic.

Point being, you really need to be careful about supplements. A registered dietitian is usually most knowledgeable about supplements and diet.

FibroHiker · April 7

About a year ago my blood levels showed that I was deficient in Vitamin D. I don't get a lot of Calcium in my diet regularly because I am Lactose intolerant and kinda hate the veggies that are higher calcium. My MD recommended the following:

Vitamin D 4,000 IU daily
Folic acid: 300 mg daily
And B12 sublingual 1000mg daily

I also take:
500mg Calcium and Tumeric daily.

I would say these have definitely helped me. My blood levels this year found my vitamin D within the normal range. My energy has improved and the tumeric helps with the inflammation.

That being said, I agree with AnnPT77. If you don't have blood work or a related health condition (I have Fibromyalgia and GI problems) that shows you need particular supplements you should first start there and determine what your needs are.

MaggieGirl135 · April 26

I have to agree with all of the above comments. Most (all?) supplements should not be taken unless they are needed.

Leo_King84 · April 26

@scampagnone This may go down like a lead balloon but here goes.

If you have no luck with the supplements, consider trying an elimination diet like the lion or carnivore diet.

Radical I know but there's a lot of stories about people overcoming all sorts of inflammatory problems, joint problems, etc.

I've been on carnivore diet about a month now and I've had chest pains the hospital couldn't explain go away and lower back pains from walking dissappear too.

neanderthin · April 30

If possible talk with a rheumatologist to see what you could do to actually reduce chronic inflammation and see what kind of dietary changes might help to reduce your C-reactive protein. imo

Hobartlemagne · May 8

I was recommended Turmeric by an MD to reduce inflammation when I got tennis elbow a while back.
It felt like it worked. I've had tendonitis before so I was familiar with the healing process.

exstromn · May 11

I take turmeric pills, fish oil capsules, and a good multivitamin containing more than enough of D, K, B, and Mag. I did my homework before purchasing any of these BTW. I also try to eat foods that help fight inflammation: Bing cherries, avocados, blueberries, strawberries, and sweet potatoes are in my current rotation if not consumed daily. Through process of elimination, I've discovered processed sugar and too many foods containing white flour are my main enemies. It's rare I get any fast food or drink alcohol anymore. I do ok, but falter on occasion and the inflammation is back with a vengeance. Good luck in fighting this!

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