Following on from the Insomnia thread where we were discussing vitamins that can help us sleep at night, I was wondering if we could all share which vitamins we take, and why.

I know we need to consult our Dr before taking any new tablets, but I thought it would be a good thing to ask you all, and get a general feel about which are the most beneficial for us and why.

Lately I've been a bit slack on my vitamins. I got frustrated with taking a huge handful of tablets every morning and night so I dropped off my vitamins and just kept taking my prescription meds, but normally I take-

- Calcium and Magnesium (in one tablet)
- Vitamin C 1000mg
- Omega 3 Fish Oil
- Iron tablets (as my other meds can make me a bit lightheaded and dizzy sometimes)

Which other vitamins/supplements are beneficial for us to take?

x Kate

I would not take iron supplements without blood tests from a doctor showing anemia or deficiency. Females can tolerate more iron than males. After menopause females are cautioned not to take iron unless blood work shows a need.

Omega-3 fatty acids are important in the diet. If you do not eat a balanced intake of fats, you do need to take them as supplements. They are "essential" in that you cannot live without them. The average American eats 25 more times Omega-6 fat than the needed Omega-3. Fish oil is a long chain fat at the end of the Omega-3 chemistry. We also need alpha linolenic acid from Flax, walnuts, etc to balance the 6's.
Fish oil is good, acts as an anti-inflammatory, and lowers triglycerides. But you also need Flax.

Some foods now come with Omega-3's added.
Smart Balance peanut butter has flax oil in it.
Smart Balance Mayo has canola
Omega-3 eggs are now available
Smart Balance or Olivio spreads are very good now.

Persistent insomnia may indicate you are low in melatonin.
This sleep hormone is made from serotonin in the brain using methyl B12 as a cofactor. If you are low in B12, you will not be making melatonin normally. Some drugs also block melatonin synthesis. SSRIs (antidepressants) and beta blockers typically inhibit this.

You can have blood tests to measure B12 status. If you are below 500, it may be very helpful to take 1mg of methylcobalamin daily orally on an empty stomach.
Studies have shown that fibro patients and MS patients can have low B12 levels in the spinal fluid. These patients typically benefit from supplementing this.
Methylcobalamin is not expensive, and is the activated form of B12 the body requires. Most of us here buy ours online. Local stores often do not carry it. We have many posts on the vitamin forum about B12. Take a look.

I take multi,magnesium glycinate,fish oil/flax seed,just started glucosamine,calcium with d,vitamin c.