Supplements and Vitamins During HepC Tx

[bikehead]

What type of nutritional supplements do you take during HepC tx that you feel helps you?  I took milk thistle for a while when diagnosed, but have since been pure with the intent of not overloading my liver.  Are there safe supplements that will help get through with tx and not harm the liver?

[orphanedhawk]

Thanks for the advice. When I ask when to take which supplements, I was thinking along the with or without foods, or before bed, time frame. Also there's the whole magnesium for calcium absorption theory. How much is needed and what type?

Honestly, after my first tx, when I was so sick, and then through everything else, my main apprehension going into tx this time around, is about protecting my bones and teeth.

[meakea]

As far as the calcium supplements, my Endocrinologist told me that anyone on HCV treatment should take 2 of the 600 Calcium + D tablets, one in the morning and one at night.  As far as WHEN to take the calcium...  Calcium is one of those tricky ones that should be taken at least 4 hours before or after another medication because it can inhibit the absorption of SOME medications.  For those who are on triple therapy where pills are taken throughout the day, they might want to check with a pharmacist about the timing of calcium supplements if they decide to take them.  

[flcyclist]

Prior to supplementing Vitamin D, I had my levels checked.  I was borderline deficient, so began to supplement.  Otherwise, I wouldn't have.

[orphanedhawk]

This thread has me wondering about the whole Calcium/magnesium/ vitamin D balance.
How much of each, is best and when is the best time to take them?

[curiouslady1]

I guess this means it is a different kind of "ironman triathalon" (groan.  sorry couldn't resist the pun) :)

[joemc34606]

And by the way there is no iron in mega men

[joemc34606]

I have takin mega men from gnc for years and has always made me feel great all day, I never get that afternoon run down feeling unless I forget them. My doc says stay on them because it has the vitamin d3, they seem to be under the impression vitamins help with the rash. On my seventh shot and no rashes. I guess a few people at there office are having trouble with rashes, so my last visit they asked me what I was doing that everyone else was. Don't know but I'm not changing a thing. Joe

[curiouslady1]

Not just supplements but optional medications might be questioned as well.  

[orphanedhawk]

My hepatologist ( liver doctor) told me too much iron, by and of itself, can cause cirrhosis.
Most of us get plenty of iron from our food.

[scoleman]

Why do you take a multivitamin without iron?

[taccs4]

My doc said it was safe to take a multi-vitamin without iron as well. They also told me to take folic acid to try to keep my hgb level up. I take a 400 mg dose once a day.

[meakea]

With my doc's okay, I took a multi-vitamin WITHOUT iron (Centrum Silver) and Caltrate +D.  The calcium +D I was taking before treatment and my Endocrinologist advised that I should up the dosage of calcium while on treatment.  I doubled my calcium while on treatment and it still left me in a stage of osteopenia by the time I got done with treatment.  Treatment is hard on the bones (or can be) as orphanedhawk said.  

[orphanedhawk]

Not sure how much this will help but read labels, not all supplements are the same.
I take a multi-vitamin w/o iron made by megafoods of whole food, vitamin D, calcium and fish oil.
Last time around tx was hard on my bones so I'll be keeping the calcium, vitamin D regime going.

[pommes]

Hey, does this mean you're staying in treatment??     Hats off to you!