Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Vitamins ?

Greetings All,
I am on Enbrel since 2004 and on and off other pain medication.

Of late, things are getting "EXTRA" difficult to handle. Perhaps, a vitamin supplement(s) would help.

If possible, could any of you share information on the vitamins you take and how you generally feel since you started taking them?

You could be a life-saver!

Much obliged
-Ranga

That's a great question. I've been to 3 doctors trying to get them to answer that for me but haven't gotten thru the preliminary checkup parts of the appts to where we can discuss this part yet. I also would like to know what are the reccommended dosages of specific vit/min/supp that would help us in this ordeal. I will say though Ranga if you have not had the opportunity to check out the information on the no/low starch diet it could greatly benefit you. I started almost 2 months ago and am feeling really really good - not perfect but 90 percent better. Wow - I just noticed your post level... 12 posts in 4 years. Ask away with any questions you may have. I find most everyone is great at helping with questions or giving moral support. My mom has AS and I asked her for a list of her additional supplements. You'll want to check with your doctor first but here is what my mom told me (she's doing fantastic compared to her other brothers who also have AS).

CHONDROITIN SULFATE 500 MG (6 A DAY)
GLUCOSAMINE SULFATE 1000 MG (2 A DAY)
VITAMIN C 1000 MG (2 A DAY)
CALCIUM 600 MG (4 A DAY)
OMEGA-3 1200 MG (4 A DAY)

SHE ALSO TAKES NIACIN PLUS W/B6,B12 & FOLATE 500 MG FLUSH FREE (2 A DAY) BUT THIS IS MOST LIKELY RELATED TO SOMETHING OTHER THAN HER AS. Make sure you check with your doc first. I myself have not started taking these reccommendations yet either because I wanted to find out what the safe helpful doses are. She has gone over this with her doctor though. Since I haven't gotten anywhere yet in that respect I am getting ready to start using this list of vit/supps unless someone on this forum could tell me why not to or direct me to a website that can help give me the safe dosage amounts... Hope that helps. Sue!

Hi,
I have found that multivitamins that use whole foods are better for me than the typical 'one a days'. So far the best multivitamin (in general) I have tried is "Alive" made by Nature's Way. http://www.naturesway.com/?pid=15092 On that link you can see the actual food it contains by clicking on the specs tab. I like it because it perks me up a bit and doesn't bother my stomach, helps my anxiety a little and I believe it is helping with my pain levels. I get the kind in the vegetable capsules (v-caps). I do not know if they contain starch or not but this isn't the only brand out there though.

I was never a person who enjoyed taking multivitamins, but from my reading on the internet, it sounds to be better to get a balanced source of vitamins and minerals rather than just one or two. since I must take certain individual vitamins and minerals, I use this in addition to make sure I'm still getting all the nutrition I need, and help avoid nutrition imbalances/deficiencies... especially since I have trouble with digestion.

Many people prefer taking complexes as opposed to taking complete multivitamins. I feel those are good too, but I haven't found that right one for me yet.

hope this helps a little.
take care,
James.

Hey Ranga

Good to see another Arizonian here...I am in South Chandler real near Gilbert. I take fish oil, Vit C and drink Pure Pomegranite juice daily. I don't take very much specifically for the AS although I did get approved for Enbrel and am thinking of trying it out to see how I feel. I workout quite a bit which I truly think has help keep the pain and damage to a minimum. Would love to chat more with you if you wish.

Chris

I did a lot of research into vitamins and herbal supplements, and then I made a list and discussed it with a naturopath and my rheumatologist before I started taking them. Make sure you check with your doctor before taking
any supplements in case of any drug interactions.

I take stuff to help my bones and connective tissues, and to reduce inflammation. Here is what I take daily:

-Fish oil 3 teaspoons per day (free of vitamin A and D to prevent overload)
-Borage Oil 3 capsules (enough to get 1000mg of Gamma Linoleic Acid daily)
-Multi-vitamin with 400 IU each vitamin D and E
-Vitamin C 4000mg per day
-calcium-magnesium-vitamin D complex (about 1200mg calcium, 500mg magnesium, and 1000 IU vitamin D)
-glucosamine-MSM complex (1500mg each)
-quercitin 500mg
-co-enzyme Q10 100mg
-probiotic one per day

I've been taking these for over a year now, and experiment with a few others. The fish oil seems to have reduced my cholesterol, and I believe that is what enabled me to cut my NSAIDs in half.

I used to get 2 or 3 colds per year, but I went a whole year without catching one until last week (and I've been on enbrel for a year). I think the vitamins help support my body's systems, especially since it is fatigued by the inflammatory disease and pain, and my immune system is suppressed by the enbrel and prednisone; plus I have osteopenia and a vitamin d deficiency, so I need the calcium and vitamin D.

I also try to follow a low-starch or paleo-like diet. I always feel more energetic on the days when I don't eat any grains or legumes. But no matter what I eat, I don't really get that much variety, so I think the vitamins help fill in nutrients that my diet doesn't cover.

Good luck.

Hi! I was told about a vitamin liquid which is more like a cranberry juice than anything, and it is wonderful for energy, digestion (doesn't make my tummy sick like many multi vitamins do) and overall a good source of the vitamins and minerals. It is called "Mother Natures Miracle" Natural Multi Vitamin and Mineral Formula by Key LIfe International. It also has plant derived minerals, amino acids and "sea earth nutrients".

Thanks for all the responses.
Warm regards
-Ranga

Magnesium cut my pain down from daily 9/10 to 3/10. There's days it's worse, but overall the pain went WAY down.