What supplements do you take?

[B2G]

I've been taking these daily for over 20 years.

1 Fish oil
1 Arginine
1 Lysine
1 B complex
2 Milk thistle
2 Green coffee
1 aspirin

I just recently added 2 calcium due to a tooth abscess which caused some bone loss. Figured since I'm 53 I should be doing that anyway.

Sounds like a lot, but it works great for me.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

1. Fish oil, glucosamine and chondritin, vit d.

And a b complex.

[B2G]

2. My husband takes glucosamine

He swears by it.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

4. I don't know if it doesn't any thing for my joints but it's f

Great for my nails though.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

3. Potato chips and cookies.

I don't take any supplements because when I buy them I forget about them. I'm way older than you, and potato chips and cookies seem to be keeping me going pretty well.

[pinboy3niner]

5. And chocolate-covered espresso beans. :) nt

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

6. Those are amazing.

Friend of mine absent-mindedly ate a whole bag of those while working. I don't think I'd ever seen anybody quite that wired.

[pinboy3niner]

10. I take them for two reasons

1. Chocolate because, chocolate. 2. And espresso beans in case 39 cups of coffee daily doesn't provide my minimum caffeine requirements.

[trof]

87. Try chasing them with grappa.

Finished up a lovely meal at an outdoor restaurant in Milan several years ago.
The owner brought out a bowl of chocolate dipped coffee beans.
We munched beans and sipped grappa and munched beans and sipped grappa and got just effing gonzo wired.
Took me two days to get to sleep.

[B2G]

7. I forgot Smartees.

about 50.

[brer cat]

15. Ice cream.

I have osteoporosis and it is medically necessary for me to supplement my normal diet with as much ice cream as possible. Chocolate works best. Even better if it has nuts.

[shenmue]

21. Yes

[oasis]

8. Fish oil and glucosime. Vitamin C.

[SheilaT]

9. None. I'm 67 yearsd old and the healthiest person I know.

I can touch my toes easily, and can even do a headstand, although that's a bit of a struggle these days.

I do try to eat reasonably well. I'm an enthusiastic meat eater (we evolved as omnivores who ate cooked food, so all the vegetarians and vegans are completely wrong in the first place, as are those who think we should be eating raw food) and I do a fair amount of cooking from scratch. I mostly avoid fast food, almost never consume soft drinks, although I do happily consume alcohol.

Those of you who are happy with your supplements, good for you. But there's almost no support for them.

[B2G]

11. Yeah, that's only a part of it.

I walk 10 miles a week, drink tons of water ( and red wine) and get lots of sleep. Genes play a huge part too.

But I disagree about supplements. I thinks they work.

[REP]

20. Some of us aren't so lucky!

I have actual deficiencies that were detected by lab tests ordered by a medical doctor, mostly caused by my kidney disease. The extremely low potassium level was actually dangerous; one of the ways kidney patients die is from heart attacks from hypokalemia plus it causes really horrible muscle pain, as does Vitamin D defiency. I eat the right foods; I've just lost the ability to absorb everything I need from food alone.

[busterbrown]

32. if i might ask

how much alcohol?

[pinboy3niner]

42. I order it by the barrel

Oh, that wasn't directed to me? My mistake...

[SheilaT]

55. Lots of red wine.

And the occasional martini.

[Lisa0825]

77. There are many real reasons for taking particular supplements, though I agree

that many people take things that are unnecessary and unproven.

In my case, I take fish oil and flax oil for a condition that causes the glands in my eyelids not to excrete enough oils into my tears. The supplements are proven to help lower the viscosity so my eyes can work better.

I take mineral supplements because I am on medications that cause my body to not absorb minerals as effectively. Without the supplements, lab tests showed I was low on calcium, and I started having extremely bad cramps in my feet and calf muscles, (low minerals can cause this).

I take vitamin d and vitamin B-12 because actual lab tests showed I was extremely deficient.

I do agree that people waste a ton of money taking things that do them no good at all, and just give them expensive pee. But there is actually evidence for certain supplements and for specific needs.

[thesquanderer]

12. these...

Fish oil (Nordic Naturals), lutein, probiotics (Hyperbiotics), a multi, vitamin D, and, ummm, this one...

https://www.amazon.com/NewVigor-Nutritional-Support-Optimum-Capsules/dp/B00BJUJLVO

we all have different priorities...

[B2G]

13. Lol

You go!

Fish oil seems to be winning the day...and expresso beans.

[Lithos]

14. Calcium is useless without Vitamin D

And many in the US are low...

Get your Dr. to run a blood test for you Vutamin D levels...

Also add Magnesium.. If you are low in Mg, the Calcium will go to your arteries, not good...

[REP]

18. I take supplements due to actual defiencies

Potassium by Rx for severe hypokalemia ... some of the biggest goddamn pills on earth
Vitamin D Rx and OTC for deficiency (serum calcium is high normal and I'm on a dietary calcium restriction)
Magnesium OTC for near-deficient levels

[Lithos]

19. Yep

Can see the connection as it is all intertwined..

Best of luck with the potassium horse tablets...

[REP]

22. Kidney disease

and/or the dumbest body ever.

At first, I could barely swallow one pill whole. My dose was increased recently, and I can swallow them both without blinking, though taking potassium chloride makes me wonder if I just need more Brawndo.

[patricia92243]

31. Brawndo has electrolites :)

[Separation]

85. Its got what you need!

Oh, and dont forget your Starbucks!!

[Codeine]

16. Food. Mostly leaves. nt

[flvegan]

17. None. Posters on DU convinced me it was woo.

I kid, most of them are idiots. LOL

[840high]

23. .....

Multi vit
Vit D
Turmeric
Vit B12
Biotin

[NJCher]

90. well, finally

Turmeric is the one thing from which everyone can benefit.

Best supplement ever.

Not one person has mentioned it until you.


Cher

[840high]

92. It helps with my aches and pain. Take

1 in the morning and 1 at night.

[shenmue]

24. I take vitamin D

I work night shift and I have a Vitamin D deficiency.

[Xipe Totec]

25. I'm a programmer, so ditto. nt

[NutmegYankee]

48. Most Americans do.

Especially in the North above 35 latitude. The sun is too low in winter to get the UVB rays to the skin because of the longer travel path through the atmosphere. The only way our ancestors got it was from food like fish and egg yokes.

[dixiegrrrrl]

94. Plus.....a couple of my prescriptions warn of avoiding sun.

In the summer, in the South...
So I take D-3.

All the talk of how foods take up specific nutrients needs to be reviweded because commerical farming does not use the healthy soil we used to have decades ago.

[Person 2713]

26. Don't forget to balance your calcium with magnesium . So many things are calcium fortified but

Magnesium is also needed for many body functions but the C:M ratio is an individual issue so
even in a healthy body the effect of magnesium on calcium (and that of calcium on magnesium)is further affected by the type of minerals used (carbonate, gluconate,citrate, etc.), and their resulting effect on your stomach acid levels, whichalso impact absorption.

[Ex Lurker]

27. None. I used to do a creatine cycle once in a while

but couldn't tell any difference.

[enid602]

28. supplements

A (beta carotene), C, E, Selenium and Zinc. Baby aspirin, CoQ10, fish oil, B Complex, D.

[MaggieD]

29. Several

Multivitamin
fish oil
Vitamin D (necessary in PNW)
Probiotic

[pinboy3niner]

30. Fermented starches, malt, hops

[betsuni]

41. That's vitamin "B" in my world.

[pinboy3niner]

43. I tend to be low on Beer-12 so I work hard to keep up

But seriously, I have a history of B-12 deficiency for which they prescribed injections. I had them mail it to me and and injected myself because it was easier than having to go to the VA hospital every time I needed a shot.

When I moved to another state I didn't continue the injections, so I just buy B-complex vitamins to take. It may be psychosomatic, but I do seem to feel more energetic on the days when I take them.

Or that could be the beer talking. Who knows?

[betsuni]

44. I take B-complex daily so I can also take Beer-complex.

Essential. Fish oil, vitamin E, B, and C every day and it makes a world of difference, can't do without them now that I'm older. I also love blue-green algae powder because it gives me so much energy. I highly recommend it.

[pinboy3niner]

50. Obviously anything that has "complex" in it is great for the complexion

I'll look into the blue-green algae powder, thanks.

[WillowTree]

33. Calcium, Vitamin D and a probiotic.

[pinboy3niner]

34. Besides meth, you mean?

Or should I include that?

[LeftishBrit]

35. Calcium and vitamin D tablets - on prescription as I have risk factors for osteoporosis

[malaise]

36. one aspirin

that's it

[nolabels]

53. I was taking two when i had a tension headache

But ever since i started posting at DU they all seemed to have gone away

[malaise]

64. lol

I take one baby aspirin daily. I also walk 25K a week, ride my exercise bike and do lots of stretches. The body loves exercise and lots of water and coconut water

[madokie]

37. d3 and melatonin

on breathing meds and didn't sleep well so I tried the melatonin and been sleeping good since.

[pinboy3niner]

38. Good for you, madokie

That's good to hear, brother.

[madokie]

40. Here is what's good to type

Have a great day my friend.
My Brother from a different Mother

[pinboy3niner]

58. I love you too, madokie

Pinch yourself. We're still here!

[apcalc]

39. Vit C , vit D , Calcium with magnesium, vit K

[hobbit709]

45. Beyond this, nothing.

[Raster]

46. Lovely!

[panader0]

70. Yep--that and several beers.

[PowerToThePeople]

47. I take aspirin

every time I read the new right wing loving DU.

[NutmegYankee]

49. Vitamin D.

And even with 2000 IU a day, I was just barely under the correct range in a blood test this winter.

[livetohike]

51. Supplements: calcium, d3, magnesium, k2, B complex,

methyl b12, probiotics, Nordic naturals fish oil.

Will be 64 years old this month and still hiking .

[whistler162]

52. Let see

Magnesium for the inherited leg cramps
Turmeric for a shoulder ache
MultiVitamin for old farts
Aspirin

[bemildred]

54. Varies, but:

1.) Chromium, helps heart beat
2.) No D or calcium, I get plenty of sun and live on cheese, my bones are still great
3.) B generic, sometimes, because I don't eat meat
4.) Vit K, cuts heal faster & better, I work on leaf vegetables too
5.) EFAs, generally Omega-3s
6.) Co-Q
7.) A little Iron now and then (no meat)

I generally don't let other people cook for me much because I need to know what I eat, and I cook from scratch, and rarely eat processed or packaged food.

No Mega-anything, it's not magic, too much of anything will make you sick

[pinboy3niner]

56. Some, I SUPPOSE, may be hesitant to reply

[wishstar]

57. Calcium, Vit D, Magnesium, Selenium, Fish Oil, Multi for B Vits, Lutein, Lysine

I am mid-60's and take no prescriptions, but my docs have said these supplements could help.

My gastroint. doc recommends Selenium to help prevent Colon cancer which is a concern due to my polyps, family history and genetic factors. However, selenium should only be taken in a limited amount as higher doses are risky.

I take calcium, Vit D and magnesium to help with both bone density and colon.

For several years I took Glucosamine/Chondroitin daily for joint pain, but I stopped using it about 2 years ago and haven't noticed any difference, so I don't think it was helping. Maybe once a week I take an Alleve which does help.

Occasional baby aspirin to help keep blood thin and for anti-cancer properties, but even just one of those gives me ringing in the ears and sometimes heartburn.

I seldom drink alcohol since it increases breast cancer risk, but a celebratory or occasional stress- relieving drink is wonderful.
I do drink a lot of coffee, switching to decaf later in day.

I walk 25 miles a week with some steep hills, push a manual lawn mower, ride a bike and and do tai chi and stretches.
But despite the exercise and avoiding sugar, red meat and junk food, I am still overweight.

[masmdu]

59. I drink 3 cups of sencha green tea with 1 tsp turmeric, ginger, Ceylon cinnamon and

I take 4000 mg vitamin D, and super B/B12 complex , handful of walnuts

[pinboy3niner]

60. Dave's not here, man

[bigwillq]

61. Turmeric

That's it. I love it.

[demmiblue]

62. Here is an interesting interactive chart:

http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/snake-oil-supplements/

[nolabels]

69. I take those bubbles as a meaning of whatever makes you feel good!

Some of them contradict each other. I wonder if there is one of them that says scurvy is a tolerable

[demmiblue]

71. Scurvy isn't a problem among adults who eat a healthy diet.

I can see that you didn't go to the link.

Scientific evidence for popular health supplements
Showing tangible human health benefits when taken orally by an adult with a healthy diet (Sep 11th 2015)

Updated September 2015 with a revitalising boost of fresh data.

New entries include melatonin, proving travellers were right about its effect on sleep; and good evidence for Vitamin D for flu, bones and long life.

Evidence for valerian as a cure for anxiety has dropped, as has any likelihood that cranberry juice has impact on urinary infections. Thanks to visitor suggestions we’ve added entries for supplements that may in some cases be harmful, including Vitamin A, which has been linked to birth defects.

Note: You might see multiple bubbles for certain supplements. These is because some supps affect a range of conditions, but the evidence quality varies from condition to condition. For example, there’s strong evidence that garlic can lower blood pressure. But studies on whether it can prevent colds have produced inconclusive results. In these cases, we give a supp another bubble.

[nolabels]

86. Actually i did and then clicked on a few

The part the that got me questioning was coffee. Reading through some of it they would say it was detrimental and others said it wasn't and improved health. My mom still drinks coffee and is eighty-seven and is doing good. I got her some good vitamins about a year ago after i figured out the medical establishment was trying to do her in with their freaking blood pressure medications. I think she is even getting younger lately. She raves on them, has way more energy as compared to before and doesn't know how she did without them.

I mostly don't try to sell people on products or anything but these particular vitamins i have been taking for years. The company's name is Fresh Start vitamins and they have a dedicated line just for people with cardio issues. They are moderate in price but they seem to work the best from what i have found

Fresh Start Vitamins
https://freshstartvitamins.com

[Lisa0825]

78. Great chart, thanks! :-) nt

[AngryAmish]

63. Mostly fish paralyzer.

[Buns_of_Fire]

65. I've had promising results with Guinness Extra Stout. nt

[pinboy3niner]

67. AKA 'Vitamin B'

[NightWatcher]

66. Cannabis and Folic Acid to counter effects from Plaquenil and Methotrexate

I need to take more D's too but I seldom remember.

[pinboy3niner]

68. I heard Ds are vital to memory

[Odin2005]

72. None, it's all BS woo peddled to the gullible and scientifically illiterate.

[Lisa0825]

79. I guess all that research actually done by scientists is all just bunk?

Because there actually IS evidence for some, though I agree with you that a lot of things out there are BS (like anything peddled by Dr. Oz, for example).

But when my doctor tells me to take something for a specific condition or because the lab test shows a deficiency, I actually trust her.

[Odin2005]

88. I don't count your doctor telling you to take something.

I mean all these people who think eating some weird thing because Dr. Oz said so.

[HuckleB]

73. I don't waste money buying worthless products sold by unethical scam artists.

[Runningdawg]

74. We make it a point to get as much nutrition from our food as possible

However after suffering from leg cramps at night since I was child, and trying virtually every cure out there, an online friend suggested a Magnesium supplement. It works! I tried increasing food high in Mag, it lessened the cramps but did not end them. I'm back to the supplement and sleeping through the night.

[NJCher]

91. those cramps are murder

But I'm sure you know about the vinegar treatment.

Also, Google "high blood sugar" and "muscle cramps." Should turn up something relevant to this situation. Also a NY Times article.


Cher

[cherokeeprogressive]

75. Wild Turkey. Once a week.

55 here. Feelin' spiffy.

[Humanist_Activist]

76. None, doctor hasn't directed me to need any. n/t

[doc03]

80. Beer to keep me sane and Melatonin to help me sleep n/t

[RandySF]

81. B complex

Takes the edge of my stress.

[JanMichael]

82. Niacin (3K/day, not the no flush type either), Cinnamon (3k/day), D (5k IU/day)...

...Policosanol (crazy Cuban sugar cholesterol tab), and the occasional Fenugreek. Some C too in the winter.

So no need for statins or other blood panel prescriptions. I have naturally high genetic cholesterol but the mix above keeps it all under control. Plus exercise and diet.

[Lyric]

83. I had gastric bypass surgery, so I take...

Vita4Life Multi-standard formula vitamin capsules (4 of them a day)
Hemaplex blood builder (1 at bedtime, for extra heme iron)
Turmeric capsules (I am trying them out to see if they help with my constant pain, because I am banned from NSAIDs for life. No effect yet, unfortunately)
"Upcal D" calcium citrate + vitamin D3 powder (1500 mgs a day, mixed with sugar free lemonade)
Fish oil (had a heart attack 2 years ago, so...)
CoQ10 (it keeps away the side effects of my 80 mg Lipitor dose)

I also take LOTS of prescription medications--for my heart, my digestive system, my blood pressure and cholesterol, my anxiety and panic disorder, my skin diseases, and birth control pills for several medical reasons.

[no_hypocrisy]

84. ENZYMES

Your body will not absorb all your supplements if you don't have enzymes. We lose them as we age.

[backscatter712]

89. A men's multivitamin, fish oil, and iron.

I've found that the iron supplements help me in my workouts - really boost my endurance.

[LeftyMom]

93. Food. Fresh, varied and in reasonable quantities.