Multivitamins and/or Supplements

[LisaMH69]

I'm wondering how many of us take a multivitamin or supplements.

I recently lost almost 30 pounds (still have about 50 more to go) and began taking GNC's Women's Ultra Mega Energy & Metabolism multivitamin last week.  I'm eating much healthier and walking.  What multivitamin/supplements do you take?  What do you feel works best?  Are multivitamins necessary?

[Dominique]

First of all, congrats for your weight loss so far!

Here is the thing with supplements, including vitamins: even if they had a positive impact (which is quite possible), you wouldn’t notice it, simply because it would be so small. Thus the product name "Ultra Mega Energy" makes me smile, because your perceived energy level would be exactly the same whether or not you took that particular supplement. If you eat a healthy, balanced and varied diet, it would likely cover your needs for micronutrients. You can view a multivitamin has an "insurance policy" that would address any minor deficiency in your diet, but be aware it will only have a very limited impact on your overall health and well-being, and certainly won’t "boost" your metabolism or "jump-start" your weight loss.

[K-Med]

I take a multi-vitamin daily, along with my prescription pills, but nothing else. I used to take a lot more, but found that I didn't notice a difference at all with Fish Oil, B-12, etc.

[Esya]

I don't use vitamins or supplements. I tried once and the first thing I did was thinking how to get it through my diet instead. I think that the people who "need" them don't take them, and those who take them don't need them. People who are conscious about their health and mindful about what they eat, typically get all the micronutrients from their diet.

[Daves_Not_Here]

Agreeing with @Esya -- I've come to the opinion that time, money, and attention spent on supplements is better spent on just getting your food right.

[elderwanda]

I take a couple of supplements that were recommended by my own doctors to treat specific symptoms/conditions.  They work, so I continue.  Other than that I just try to eat good food.     

[SunsetRunner]

I do a multi and a D supplement everyday. Basic store bought items, nothing like GNC stuff.

I do take a supplement for pre-workout just for an energy boost, so I just have a strong cup of coffee before I train.

The rest I get from real food.

[Daskwer]

It's the same situation. When I suffered from anorexia, my immune system deteriorated, and I had to take many vitamins and hormones to recover. I took vitamins like - Coenzyme Q10 - COQ10, Vitamin B12, calendula extract, etc. It helped me a lot to recover faster and gain average weight for my height. My mother was distraught because I was really in bad condition. If we didn't start treatment in time, I don't know. Most likely, it would have been fatal. That's what happens when you get bullied at school because of your appearance.

[Glenda]

I am so surprised that the world has changed so much since I was in grade school and Jr. High school.   From about 4th grade through 9th I was super ugly but no one was ever unkind to me.  I swear no rude comments to me ever.  Short fat and ugly and never bullied.  I just grew out of it somehow.   In high school I was one of the 2 elected school queens.  I think it was because I was always nice to everyone I came near.  Some people were only nice to the "in crowd".  I graduated high school in 1960.   (I started high school with bleached blond hair, so I was a bit better looking.  That may have helped)

[Glenda]

There is a new study out by the Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute that says Omega 3 fatty acids increase life expectancy almost 5 years.  You can eat Salmon, anchovies, and sardines 2 times a week or take a supplement.   I take supplements.

[Kiwistar]

I take apple cider vinegar capsules (can't stand it in diluted liquid form) and magnesium citrate.

ACV has benefits unrelated to weightloss, although allegedly it can help curb hunger and feel fuller for longer. Unknown if this benefit is working because I'm eating a much better diet now anyway.

The mag citrate is to help with horrendous fluid retention when Aunt Flo comes to visit. It seems to ease it and bloating somewhat. I used to retain 2kg of water for up to 10 days (I track calories and weight daily), but since taking them, it's halved to just 1kg. But of course that in itself is supplemented with 3-4 litres of water a day, plus a couple of black coffees.

[Glenda]

I take 4 gummy vitamins and with each of those I swallow some other regular pill   The gummy things are a multi (2), Omega 3 (also 2) Vitamin C says to take 2 but 1 is plenty,  I take the 4 little pills, (hormones and K2 & D3) with one gummy.  Then I take an aspirin, selenium , Zinc and Magnesium (one in the morning and one at night to avoid leg cramps  with a gummy fiber pill or 2.  I've been taking those for many years and have forgotten why but every now and then I read how great they are for you.   Some people disagree about the aspirin.  I take a whole regular aspirin every day anyway.  I love vinegar in food.    I don't take it for any health benefit.  Should I google?

[Glenda]

@elderwanda @Daves_Not_Here  I've been reading some old entries in this thread, and I really admire people who try to eat in a way that is good for their health.  I'm bad at it.  Sometimes I try to eat adequate protein, other times I notice fiber.  I'm always aware of calories and maintain a good weight.  But some days all my calories are spent of junk food.  I try to use restraint on the total calories and that is the only thing I do well.  So all of you who do so much better...........Good Job.  Good for you.  Give yourself a pat on the back.  I take supplements in addition to a multi vitamin.  I probably need them.