Supplements

[goblinff]

There's a bewildering array of supplements that people seem to take.
I used to take a multi-vitamin, zinc, echinacea, B6 and sometimes iron supplements. In over the counter type doses (not those enormous ones that people talk about).
But I'm now taking Sertraline (anti-depressant) and I don't know what I can take with it without problems. As I'm now housebound, I don't feel it's worth asking for a home visit from the GP just to ask that question (waste of resources).
How can I find out if supplements are ok to take with the Sertraline?
And more generally, as I'm housebound, struggling to feed myself ok (family are prepping food for me), are there any supplements that are a good idea as well as any that are 'good' for CFS/ME?

[goblinff]

Supplementary question:
I've just read Sue Luscombe's reply to a diet question. Where she posts a factsheet from BDA about diet & CFS/ME. In it, it mentions Vitamin D for people who don't go outside. I struggle to be outside (ie in the front doorway on a stool) for more than about 10mins a week, if that.
I didn't know about Vit D - if I don't go outside/ get sunlight enough, what else should I be doing?
Is there somewhere I can find out about this stuff?

[Sue Luscombe]

If you are concerned that you are not getting a good intake nutritionally, a one-a-day multivitamin/mineral, (with no more than 100% recommended daily intake), is absolutely safe to take with Sertraline. However, do avoid taking several different supplements, as this may mean doubling up on certain vitamins. For instance, a multivitamin will usually contain adequate B6 and to take this separately as well can lead to an excessive dose, which can be harmful. Taking more than 200mg a day of vitamin B6 for a long time can lead to a loss of feeling in the arms and legs, known as peripheral neuropathy.

I would certainly recommend that you take a supplement containing Vitamin D. The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) in 2012 recommended housebound people to take Vitamin D, (dose10µg a day). Again, if you are already taking a multivitamin check for one with a good Vitamin D content, (10 µg), rather than an extra vitamin D supplement if possible. Avoid very large doses, unless prescribed by your doctor or GP, as they then will then be monitoring your blood levels to ensure it is a safe dose for you. Here is the link to the British Dietetic Association Food Facts on Vitamin D: http://www.bda.uk.com/foodfacts/VitaminD.pdf

This is the from the CMO about the Vitamin D recommendations: http://www.nhs.uk/news/2012/01January/P ... ments.aspx

[goblinff]

Thanks for that.
I will go look at labels on what I've got, use them up, then follow your advice when I buy the next lot.
Much appreciated.