Vitamins

[Baby_Sham]

Hi,

I've been taking vitamins for the past few weeks (B1, D, Folic Acid, Magnesium) and have just this past week started with Milk Thistle.

I'm a bit confused though. Am I supposed to be taking it every day?

It says on the front of the box "for the occasional over indulgence of food and drink", so does that mean I should take it occasionally, or would it do no harm to take two daily?

[anneasquith]

take it as advised on the literature.

[Baby_Sham]

But that's the problem. It says "1-2 tablets daily", but then on the box it says "occasional over indulgence", so is the "1-2 tablets daily" just pointing out that it's daily, as opposed to something like every 4 hours, or does the 1-2 daily mean take it daily?

Oh god, I am confused.

[society]

"It says on the front of the box "for the occasional over indulgence of food and drink"

First thing came to mind as I read that ^^^ is - that supplement is to be taken when you over-eat.

[Baby_Sham]

Best carry on taking them every day then, as I over-indulge on a daily basis! :)

[Canary42]

The following comes from http://altmedicine.about.com

Side Effects and Safety Concerns:

Side effects may include indigestion, headache and itching. Rarely, milk thistle may result in heartburn, gas, diarrhea, joint pain and sexual dysfunction.

People with allergies to daisies, artichokes, kiwi, common thistle or plants in the aster family may also be allergic to milk thistle. There have been several reports of anaphylactic shock in people who have used milk thistle products.

The safety of milk thistle in pregnant or nursing women is unknown.

Theoretically, milk thistle may lower blood sugar levels, so it should be used with caution by people with diabetes, hypoglycemia and those taking medications or supplements that affect blood sugar levels.

There is a theoretical risk that milk thistle could have an estrogen-like effect, so people with hormone-sensitive conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids or cancers of the breast, uterus and ovaries should avoid milk thistle, particularly the above ground parts of the plant.

Milk thistle may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. One constituent of milk thistle can inhibit an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase, which is involved in the activity of oral contraceptives.

[LazyGun]

@Baby_Sham I am curious as to why you have started taking all these daily vitamin supplements. Have you been diagnosed as deficient in any or all of them?

And why are you taking Milk Thistle? What are you hoping it will do for you?

And, just for completeness sake -how much are all these supplements costing you financially, on a daily/weekly basis?

[Sqad]

Lazygun......this Aber has a significant medical history which should answer your question.

[anneasquith]

I may be wrong, but wonder if gp has prescribed vit b and thiamine ?

[Baby_Sham]

Thanks Canary, but as soon as I read the words "side effects", I could no longer continue reading.
Sounds stupid I know, but I get a bit 'funny' reading the literature which comes with any form of medicine.

LazyGun, Umm, I'm trying to improve my overall health, and hopefully repair any damage I might have done.
I was advised to take B1 by my doctor, magnesium was suggested on here, folic acid was suggested by a friend, as was milk thistle.
With regards to the cost, it's far cheaper than my alcohol addiction was.

Sqad - thank you :-)

[Sqad]

Baby sham......you should take ALL the medication on a daily basis until your condition is reassessed by your doctor.

[Baby_Sham]

Anne, yes, she did :)

[Baby_Sham]

Brilliant, thank you Sqad. That's all I wanted to know.
I was just panicking that I might be taking it more than I should be.

Many thanks, and have a nice day :-)

[LazyGun]

@Baby_Sham Thanks for the clarification.

[Baby_Sham]

No worries :-)

[Clanad]

A word of caution... be certain that any magnesium supplement (or any other for that matter) you may be taking doesn't include magnesium stearate'. While quality doesn't neccessarily relate to expense, many cheaper brands of supplements include this additive. A recent study explains: "...Magnesium stearate is formed by adding a magnesium ion to stearic acid. The compound has lubricating properties, which is why it's often used in the making of supplements, as it allows the machinery to run faster and smoother, and prevents the pills or capsules from sticking to each other.

However, previous research has shown that stearic acid suppresses T cells—your natural killer cells—which are a key component of your immune systemi. According to that study, stearic acid causes the collapse of cell membrane integrity—an effect that was found to be time and dose dependent—which, ultimately, can destroy cell function..."

While not prone to alarmism, the study chair adds "...In my view, if you're taking a supplement, making sure it's a high quality, natural food-based supplement that does not include potentially harmful fillers and additives such as magnesium stearate..."