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Elderly parents

Gentle immune boosting supplements

13 replies

EMGEMG · 22/09/2024 18:40

I'm looking for recommendations for an immune boosting supplement for my older mum. She has complex needs following a stroke and is vulnerable to infections. Has anyone bought any supplements for their parents and which are working well for them?

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AnnaMagnani · 22/09/2024 18:44

There aren't any supplements that genuinely boost your immune system.

Given winter is coming, and probably your relative doesn't get outside much a vitamin D supplement would be good as it's unlikely they get enough sunlight.

What sort of infections does your relative get? Are they aspirating when they swallow?

Mosaic123 · 22/09/2024 22:43

And gently ask any visitors to be sure they don't have a cold or similar.

It's tricky.

poppyzbrite4 · 22/09/2024 22:53

A good multivitamin, Vit D and probiotics.

NoBinturongsHereMate · 23/09/2024 10:06

poppyzbrite4 · 22/09/2024 22:53

A good multivitamin, Vit D and probiotics.

This.

MagpiePi · 23/09/2024 10:15

I’ve read recently that multivitamins aren’t actually that good as some of the vitamins can cancel each other out.

As the first PP said, you can’t boost your immune system with supplements.

EMGEMG · 23/09/2024 13:39

AnnaMagnani · 22/09/2024 18:44

There aren't any supplements that genuinely boost your immune system.

Given winter is coming, and probably your relative doesn't get outside much a vitamin D supplement would be good as it's unlikely they get enough sunlight.

What sort of infections does your relative get? Are they aspirating when they swallow?

How do you suggest boosting the immune system? I use a combo of individual supplements and they seem to help hugely (I have ME).
My mum has aspirated, yes, and is therefore prone to pneumonia. I'm also concerned about her general immunity strength.

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EMGEMG · 23/09/2024 13:43

MagpiePi · 23/09/2024 10:15

I’ve read recently that multivitamins aren’t actually that good as some of the vitamins can cancel each other out.

As the first PP said, you can’t boost your immune system with supplements.

I'm looking at other supplementation too, e.g. probiotics and minerals. It's about getting the combination and doses correct.

I have emailed a few neuro nutritionists who should understand the complex needs of stroke survivors but would like to get her started on something in the meantime.

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EmotionalBlackmail · 24/09/2024 12:14

You can't boost the immune system by taking supplements.

www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/ask-the-expert/boosting-immunity

EmotionalBlackmail · 24/09/2024 12:15

Has she had the pneumonia vaccination? And if she's aspirating food has she had a SALT assessment?

EMGEMG · 06/10/2024 06:10

EmotionalBlackmail · 24/09/2024 12:14

My mum is nil by mouth. So she has to take supplements as she can't eat food right now..

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EmotionalBlackmail · 06/10/2024 08:18

If she's nil by mouth she's not going to be able to take a supplement though?

If she's got an NG tube or is having parenteral feeds then those will be complete nutritionally. What does her medical team say about it?

cheezncrackers · 06/10/2024 09:10

If she's nil by mouth then she'll need something that can be delivered by suppository or via an injection. That's not the kind of thing you can buy from Boots. I suggest you speak to her doctors.

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