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Do you take any vitamins / supplements?

Not sure if it does, but drugs such as Metformin are known to cause a deficiency in vitamin B12.

Apart from Cod Liver Oil I don't take any and just get everything I need from my diet.
 
I don't take any at all. I would only ever consider supplements if my blood tests showed a deficiency of some sort, and then only after discussing with GP. Noblehead is right about Metformin though.
 
I take cod liver oil and also, more importantly, zinc which they say boosts your immune system and it would seem to be true, as I haven't had a cold or flu for the 15 or so years I have been taking it.
 
Janiept said:
I take cod liver oil and also, more importantly, zinc which they say boosts your immune system and it would seem to be true, as I haven't had a cold or flu for the 15 or so years I have been taking it.
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..... and conversely, I don't take zinc and also haven't had a cold, flu, or stubborn infection since I was a child ;) I did have chemo for breast cancer, which causes the immune system to dip down to almost nothing for a week or two after each chemo session. I did mention to the oncologist about taking zinc and he laughed at me, implying it was a load of rubbish! I'm sure if it did help, it would be prescribed to chemo patients. I don't suppose it does any harm though.
 
Bluetit1802 said:
..... and conversely, I don't take zinc and also haven't had a cold, flu, or stubborn infection since I was a child ;) I did have chemo for breast cancer, which causes the immune system to dip down to almost nothing for a week or two after each chemo session. I did mention to the oncologist about taking zinc and he laughed at me, implying it was a load of rubbish! I'm sure if it did help, it would be prescribed to chemo patients. I don't suppose it does any harm though.
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No it certainly can't hurt can it Bluetit. I still believe it does have some effect though, as my entire family were felled by this rotten flu that has been doing the rounds this year and I was the only one who didn't succumb.
 
Hello , I have B12 top ups but that came before the diabeties ....
I have just started vit D this week , but after discussion with GP
 
Thanks all. I was thinking of taking a multi-vitamiin to be sure I'm getting everything. I know we shouldn't need them with a healthy diet but it can't hurt.
I will ask the doctor about the B vits and metformin, I'm on 2000g a day so is quite high.
 
Take VitaminD Forte3 and VitaminC .
Also use and take Co-enzyme Q10 - for my mito chondria condition .
 
I dont take any.
But I have thought maybe I should take vitamin c as I have cut down on fruit.
Any advice?
 
I find the NHS Choices pages on all the vitamins and minerals very useful as it tells us which we needs, why, what happens if we get to few and too many, and which foods contain them.

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vitamins-minerals/Pages/vitamins-minerals.aspx

Vitamin C for example is found in

Good sources of vitamin C
Vitamin C is found in a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. Good sources include:

  • oranges and orange juice
  • red and green peppers
  • strawberries
  • blackcurrants
  • broccoli
  • brussels sprouts
  • potatoes

Zinc
Zinc is a trace element that has several important functions. For example it:

  • helps make new cells and enzymes
  • helps us process carbohydrate, fat and protein in food
  • helps with the healing of wounds
Good sources of zinc
Zinc is found widely in the environment. Good food sources of zinc include:

  • meat
  • shellfish
  • milk
  • dairy foods, such as cheese
  • bread
  • cereal products, such as wheat germ
How much zinc do I need?
The amount of zinc you need is about:

  • 5.5-9.5mg a day for men
  • 4-7mg a day for women
You should be able to get all the zinc you need from your daily diet.

What happens if I take too much zinc?
Taking high doses of zinc reduces the amount of copper the body can absorb. This can lead to anaemia and weakening of the bones.

What does the Department of Health advise?
You should be able to get all the zinc you need by eating a varied and balanced diet. If you take zinc supplements, it is important not to take too much because this could be harmful.

Do not take more than 25mg of zinc supplements a day, unless advised to by a doctor.
 
I take Visionace plus with omega -3 with Lutein for my eyes, I have done for about 3 1/2 weeks now. Vitamin D and Calcium tablets on prescription for my bones.
 
Bluetit1802 said:
I find the NHS Choices pages on all the vitamins and minerals very useful as it tells us which we needs, why, what happens if we get to few and too many, and which foods contain them.

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vitamins-minerals/Pages/vitamins-minerals.aspx
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That's a really handy link, thank you!
I'm trying to find one that could help with hair loss, my hair is getting very thin over the last year or so. I'm taking a hair/skin/nails supplement but it doesn't seem to be helping. Although my nails are finally growing back well after losing them all (finger and toe) a few years ago to severe nail psoriasis.
I also take iron pills on prescription as I lost a lot of hair through anemia a couple of years ago.
I've also lost it toally a couple of times from severe scalp psoriasis, and again after major surgery, which apparently is quite common.
But none of those things apply now, so I don't know what's causing it.
 
Just blue said:
Does having heavy cold effect your blood sugar levels, having to take cough mix etc
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Yes, colds and flu or any illness and stress to the body can effect bg control, just make sure your cough mixture is suitable for diabetics, if in doubt ask your pharmacist.
 
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