So, what health foods (omega rich etc) , vitamins and supplements to you take and why?

[HuwEdwards]

Me? I take nothing, however am 44 now and wondering whether I should be taking 'precautions' iykwim.

DP otoh takes a right old concoction..

come on, own up..

don't believe in supplements - just eat a balanced diet [smug emoticon]

well, me too Kathy, but am starting to feel aches and pains.....ouch ya bugger

I've been taking the Magnesium-OK multivitamin thing because it's really helping with my pmt, rather to my surprise.

Jackie - do you need to take it daily or just at pmt time?

Kerrymum, why d'you take them - to try and combat what?

there've been some studies lately that show vitamin supplements can actually cause harm if you don't need them. plus the evening primrose is apparently endangered....

a healthy diet is enough imo. you'll feel the aches and pains anyway.

Daily - I've had it sitting around for ages, and not taken it regularly, but a couple of months ago started to make the effort to take it every day, and was amazed that I didn't have the painful breasts that I normally get in the run-up to my period starting, and I think (though you'd have to ask my family, really) that I was less grumpy too. The only downside, if you can call it that, is that I used to rely on the painful breasts and grumpiness to forewarn me of when my period was going to start (have become completely useless at keeping track of it), and now I have no idea when it's going to begin.

2 x flaxseed oil a day (I dont eat oily fish)
although I love avocados. Take as essential for coating nerve cells, elasticity of skin, brain function/nerve function, lubricating joints - essential fatty acids = good fats.

1 x multivit and mineral - have healthy diet but due to pesticides/pollution, stress etc a lot of people do not absorb nutrients properly. Also some medications inhibit absorption of vits/minerals.

Bcomplex - in the morning if I have not slept well.

Agnus castus tincture - regulates hormones.

Shisandra - to cool my body (am hot constantly since being pg) and support my liver.

Occassional gram of vit c if I feel the need - water soluble vit so you just pee out the excess.

The recommended daily amount is the MINIMUM amount to prevent you getting scurvy/rickets etc. Depending on individual lifestyle, diet, medication etc we all need differing amounts. Some people do not absorb vits/minerals properly.