Comment by Sami T on November 7, 2010 at 2:05pm

I would say from seeing the results of a test undertook over the course of twenty years about the positive effects of using supplements as opposed to not taking any at all I would just concentrate on three hearty meals per day - meats, pasta, fish, vegetables, pulses, eggs, and fruit and u should be healthy and fighting fit.
The results showed no differences in the two groups. I would stick to cod liver oil capsules and only use others if neccesary. : )

Comment by Julie Koch on November 7, 2010 at 2:18pm

Thanks! I have a struggle with hearty meals :). I have been battling eating disorders for 18 years and as an ongoing anorexic and sometimes bulimic, I don't eat well. I am quite underweight right now but am seeing a nutritionist and therapist for help. I appreciate your answers and thoughts on the issue!

Comment by Gail on November 8, 2010 at 11:50am

Of course we should all try to get our nutrients from food, as this is the best source in terms of metabolism and utilization, but since you don't eat properly, I would think supplements are a good thing in your case.
As for what you're taking: Prenatal? Are you pregnant? The prenatal vitamins are basically supercharged multivitamins that have added folate for proper neural tube development in the fetus, and probably extra calcium. If you're not pregnant, probably any good multivitamin for women would be ok. I still take Biotin, although not in the dosage you take. I try to take 5000 mg; you're only getting 1500 mg. This being said, no one knows if biotin even helps with alopecia, but it certainly won't hurt. MSM won't hurt either, and if you find that it helps your arthritic symptoms, keep taking it. You have multiple issues going on...take whatever improves they way you feel. Yes on the fish oil. Everyone should take fish oil, although I am woefully negligent in this area. Vitamin E is an anti-oxidant, so not a bad thing, just don't overdo it. And yes, on the Vitamin D. Critical for breast health and the metabolism of calcium. And make sure you're getting the right kind of calcium too. Some forms are better utilized than others. Ultimately, I would suggest consulting a licensed nutritionist for proper advice on dosing, etc. There are some vitamins that are toxic in high doses, while others are just passed through the urine if taken in excess.

I hope you are feeling better these days. It's good to see you are making a tremendous effort to help yourself back to wellness. I'm a big advocate of proper exercise too, so if you are able to do that, go for it!
Good luck! Keep us posted.

Comment by Tuesday on November 8, 2010 at 8:19pm

Julie - best wishes for your ongoing eating issues. I suffered from similar issues for many years before my AU developed. I'm glad you are seeing a therapist.

I took a prenatal during my preganncy. I was trying Biotin at the 5000MCG level ( I want to harden my nails so I can use them during my classical guitar playing sessions). The Biotin actually very much hurt my stomach - horrible burning and gas so I discontinued. I am not convinced the Biotin even helped - I took it for 3 months and noticed no difference when I stopped taking it.

I take Fish Oil daily and the Vitamin D too.

I've been healthful for years but nothing prevented my AU!

Comment by Julie Koch on November 8, 2010 at 9:44pm

Thank you so much for your wishes and thoughts on this issue Tuesday! I am sorry that you have dealt with the dreaded eating issues as well. It is definitely an ongoing 18 year battle for me that has never gone into an actual recovery. I appreciate your help and advice and I hope you are well!

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