Vitamins? Your Opinions?

[MattA777]

I do think it’s easier to eat a variety of foods to cover all the vitamins & minerals when you’re young, but now in my senior years and only able to consume smaller portions. I feel it's too difficult to cover ALL the bases including proteins on a daily basis. So, I supplement with multivitamins + a few extras.
Are they just a waste of money?

[Buenchico]

The general opinion, on the NHS website and elsewhere, is that most people don't need vitamin supplements at all except that everyone should consider taking a Vitamin D supplement during the darker months of the year:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/

Some sources also suggest that older people should possibly consider taking a Vitamin B12 supplement, e.g. Age UK
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/healthy-eating/vitamins-for-older-people/
but there's no similar mention on the NHS website:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-b/

I'm 67 and the only supplement I take is Vitamin D. (I'm actually also taking a high daily dose of Vitamin B6 at the moment but that's only because it's been prescribed for me for the six months after chemotherapy to help counter the peripheral neuropathy caused by the treatment. I won't continue taking it once the six month period is up).

[TonyV]

I'm taking vitamin D ar the moment because I'm not getting out as much as I normally would.

[woofgang]

I think its one of those "couldn't hurt" things. if you can afford it and it will make you feel happier then why not provided you don't go overboard. I take a multivitamin and vits D and K because my digestion won't allow me to eat anywhere near 5 a day or high fibre foods in general.

[Rosie29]

There is avery good booklet whiçh you can get from Age UK called Staying Sharo in Later Life. It has advice on various health issues including nutrition. The only supplements recommended - because they're not retained so well in older people - are Vit D3 B12 and an Omega supplement. The booklet is free.

[Rosie29]

If you take a lot of supplements that your body doesn't need they will just be excreted.
Sorry B - I didnt see your post before I wrote the above.

[ludwigvan]

I think Rosie meant “Staying sharp in later life”.

[Sqad]

My opinion, unless blood tests show that you are vitamin deficient then supplements are just pouring money down the drain........but it is your money to da as you want.

The only exception is Vitamin D3 which might help in the winter months, the dose of which will depend upon your circumstances. If you are mobile then 400 I U would suffice, but if you are housebound then 4,000IU would be appropriate.
That is all I have to say.

[pastafreak]

Sqad...why is there a difference in requirements between housebound and mobile?

[Buenchico]

^^^ Presumably, Pasta, because we get Vitamin D from sunlight, so those who don't get out much will need a higher dose of the supplement than those who're going for long country walks (for example).

[Sqad]

pasta, if you are mobile, you will be able to get out on a daily basis to absorb enough sunlight, even in the winter, but if you are housebound this is greatly reduced.
However.....even housebound one should get enough D3 from food, although a supplement would be reassuring.

[Maydup]

If you have porridge for breakfast, made with milk and topped with blueberries or blackberries you're half way there. Some eggs or a little white meat, with salad or a portion of vegetables and you have an adequate diet.

[Sqad]

Buenchico 's post wasnt there when I was typing.

[pastafreak]

Sorry to disagree Chris and Sqad, but we can't get enough vitamin D from the sun in winter...unless we are in oz. The angle of the rays makes it impossible here in the northern hemisphere. Also, your skin needs to be exposed.

[Spungle]

Swear by Vitamin D during a British winter. Vitamin C to stave off the winter colds. Daily exercise and balanced diet seems to solve the rest.

[Sqad]

pasta...that's OK then take D3 as a supplement..........BUT watch it......don't take too much Forton long.

[pastafreak]

I try not to Sqad...just in the winter mostly. I forget in the summer. ;)

[pixie374]

So, in a British winter... is it D3 that's needed?

[Hopkirk]

I have expensive urine, but it gives me peace of mind.

I believe that selenium deficiency is possible, as British wheat is lacking in it.

[Sqad]

Yes.

[pastafreak]

Yes. For most people as even in a typical British summer your body may not make enough vitamin D to get through the winter months.