@BunsenBurner---- Very valid points. I agree with you.
But I’ll still go for what is now available over not doing anything. And some companies are much better than others. I will not discourage anybody from using them unless I felt they could be harmed by it.
Probiotics run into the same problems–but help a lot of people.
There are a LOT of companies manufacturing these products (some with a good track record and others not so much).
“I do think that D, B, iron, calcium, and certain other supplements can be beneficial. Just not a pill that has A through Zinc.”
Just asking-- That zinc is beneficial too. Do you frown on any supplemental trace minerals?
No, if you really need them. Calcium, magnesium, even extra potassium for sweaty athletes, and others. All with proper customization. I would not take zinc supplements just because it is in a multi component pill so apparently it need to be taken. BTW, zinc supplementation has been studied in the context of the AREDS studies, the only comprehensive studies of a polyvitamin. Zinc was found to contribute to some issues:
https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/article/which-is-better-areds-1-or-2
Vitamin D can be hard to absorb, even in sunnier climates. I live in the gulf south, belong to a community garden, and had a dog I walked at least twice day. My levels were below the range of normal until I started regularly taking 5000 IU of Vitamin D (more than 1000% RDA).
This was on advice of my neurologist, since I have MS.
I also take magnesium at night to help with leg cramps and CoQ10 during the day, if I remember, to help with MS fatigue. I can’t take that one at night because it gives me too much energy!
How much magnesium do you take? I’ve been dealing with foot cramps at night & need some relief.
@shellfish I know it sounds crazy but try a shot of pickle juice for those cramps.
I take a multi with iron (anemic otherwise), D, Biotin and a super B. I feel my energy levels drop if I forget to take them. My son used to get nosebleeds and they stop when he takes a multi with iron.
When DH lost his mom unexpectedly he spoke to his Dr. about the lingering sadness. His Dr. said he needed to feel it and work through it, but also did a Vit. D test because low vitamin D levels can contribute to depression. His levels were in the basement so he began taking them and so did I (we live in WI so not easy to get enough naturally).
Also - when my daughter got a severe concussion, a friend recommended magnesium. I checked with her trainer, a concussion specialist, and she didn’t see the harm in taking that due to it’s benefits to muscle healing.
Foot cramps can be due to many reasons, but it would not hurt to try magnesium. Do check with your doctor first! Checking with your doc is always a wise idea before starting any supplements.
APRN at doc’s office suggested eating foods higher in magnesium for the cramps, but that’s not always going to happen & she didn’t give me any info on supplements or their dosage.
Can’t use pickle juice - have to watch my sodium intake.
My Mr. started with one capsule of this (note the USP marking):
http://www.naturemade.com/minerals/magnesium/magnesium-citrate#vXsKxP5XpEIB1eel.97
Then he went to 500 mg. He says he sees a difference in his achy calf muscles.
Yes, most of us have low vitamin D levels. Even those who get sun exposure. This brings up a good point about getting levels checked and supplementing with vitamins / minerals that we are low in.
CoQ10 also has an absorption issue. This is why it’s best to take a form that is both water and fat-soluble which has better absorption compared to a regular form.
Thanks BunsenBurner.
@shellfall - I take one 500 mg tablet of magnesium each night. I took two of them at first, but magnesium also has digestive effects and it was too strong that way.
For muscle cramps, tonic water (quinine) can also help.
Just be careful - some folks reported that it caused ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
@BB, is your comment about tinnitus in response to those taking magnesium?
And, for those who take CQ10, what do you take it for and what benefits have you experienced?
We take CoQ10 because we’ve been told it’s an anti-oxidant and helps reduce inflammation. Asthma and other conditions we have are inflammatory. D says it also increases energy level.
Honestly, I am not sure as to whether the supplements make a difference for ME, but H says he can really tell when we travel and don’t bring some of them.
I do notice occuvite seems to help H and me have better, clearer night vision. Some of the supplements are also reducing my dry eyes but not sure which ones.
Interesting. I take a vitamin D in the winter but not in summer. We don’t have much sun in Michigan in the winter. I have taken a multivitamin everyday for decades. Don’t ever give it a thought.
@collage1 - no, that is to the poster recommending tonic water. Some people are very sensitive to quinine.
My doctor recently recommended adding the CoQ10 to my statin regimen but didn’t mention to make sure it was both fat and water soluble as was mentioned upthread. I have seen only one brand that promotes it is both. @BunsenBurner, without getting too technical, is this important? Those of you who use this supplement, what is your preferred brand? What is the best way to quickly identify if vitamins/supplements are from a reputable manufacturer?