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Treatments > Supplement Guide > Buying Supplements
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Buying Supplements

Things to Know Before Heading to the Store

The claims about what supplements are supposed to do for you certainly may tempt you to try one, two or more. But practice safety first when buying supplements. Trying a supplement shouldn’t be a decision you make on a whim while you’re browsing through products on a shelf. Learn all you can about supplement safety before you risk your money or your health. To be a savvy consumer and make the right choice, follow these seven tips:

  • Be wary of unrealistic claims, such as the product will “cure” or “prevent” arthritis. It is illegal for supplements to make such claims.
  • Talk to your doctor about a supplement and whether it would be safe to try.
  • Do not stop taking your prescription medications unless directed by your doctor.
  • Find out if the supplement will interact with other medications or other supplements you are taking.
  • Determine if potential side effects outweigh the potential benefit.
  • Shop around for reputable brands.
  • Know how much to take and how often to take it.

 

 

Charles Doherty
30 Jul 2010, 09:00
Hi,
I'm new. I have osteoarthritis. Has anyone heard of Flexicose and results of using it?
Thanks,
Charles
Bessymma
23 Jul 2010, 12:40
I am a Nigerian living at south south zone of the country known as the Niger Delta area.I have been suffering from Arthritis for the past 5yrs experiencing pains on my waist making it difficult for me to walk around except with the aid of holding tables or chairs within the rooms. Please advise me the type of drug to take and food/ fruits to eat. Some people advised me to take Vitamin A daily the pain will subside. I will like to be a member of your foundation. I am 70yrs old.
tony lucas
12 Jul 2010, 17:09
i am presently taking your Glucosamine and i would like to order it online
Cynthia
14 Jun 2010, 09:32
I totally sympathize with everyone and anyone else out there who has arthritic issues. Mine have been signifigantly decreased and I do not spend a fortune. I teach downhill skiing still after 35 years, and do lots of sports again. Lets talk by email first. Have a happy and moving day, 'pain free'.
Cynthia
Jermaine
27 May 2010, 15:25
I've had the exact opposite experience with Instaflex. I got their trial and then I was charged over $70. After some research I discovered that you can get those ingredients in much better formulas for less than half the price. Best thing was, the cheaper one I bought, Osteo-Biflex worked a lot better.
Dale
10 May 2010, 19:53
I've tried Insta-Flex and it seems to help the pain in the joints. I have osteo and my legs do ache after a short walk
janie meeres
28 Apr 2010, 14:24
Turmeric, glucosamine, chondroitin are very effective in reducing joint discomfort but not all products get INTO the joints as well or as quickly as others .If you would like more info please contact me ..Take care...
jmeeres@rogers.com
Larry
19 Apr 2010, 08:01
It has been my experience that taking any supplement involves your life style. For instance: if you don't exercise on a regular bases you will gain weight from Omega 3 oil. Also, when taking Omega 3 I have found that I must increase my water intake to keep the weight down. I have learn that if you don't have an active life style, Omega 3 should in most cases be avoided. I use ginger with Trumeric for when life is going at a less active pace. I have osteoarthritis.
Tracie
10 Dec 2009, 18:21
Diagnosed with Palindromic Rheumatism, just started MTX 2 months ago, the side effects scare me! But no major flare up in a month. No energy, stiffness and aches are still there though. I am also trying Omega 3D, Zyflomed and Elderberry. Now I have something to blame the extra lbs on Omega 3! Anyone with PR?
Pamela
07 Dec 2009, 14:24
I take Omega 3 for RA, Glucosamine Chondroitan/MSM also,...and CoQ 10 for Heart...need something for Immune System..have tried Meloxicam and caused muscle weakness and other complications because of Heart,..and Sulfasalazine and was Hospitalized with severe reactions to that...want to stay all Natural because I am so Chemical sensitive...Also I am scheduled to have surgery on Thyroid for large mass growth{6cm} which is causing complications with breathing/swallowing...probably have to go on Hormones after...any supplements that can help?...I am 54...going thru Menopause....anything anyone knows to help would be appreciated....
MD with RA
29 Nov 2009, 22:08
lesli- in re: to your question re: Meloxicam and fish oil and weight gain. Fish oil capsules do contain calories-for example, mine contain 25kcal(calories) per capsule and the bottle asks for 4 capsules per day. That's an extra 100 calories per day! That means in order to not gain weight, you must consume 100 cals less per day or burn off an extra 100 while taking fish oil. (I recommend taking it at the beginning of a meal so that you might eat less at a meal). As a net positive balance of 3500kcal= a 1 lb. weight gain, you would gain 1 lb. every 35 days without making the above mentioned changes. That's 10 lbs. a year! If you have been diagnosed with RA you might be less active without realizing it-due to the aches, fatigue, etc. that go along with it, and could be gaining weight from this too. I hope this helps:)
lesli
06 Oct 2009, 08:50
i am on meloxicam,,,,and fish oil ,,i had no clue u can gain weight from either? i have crapal tunnel,,,
Janice Jackson
01 Sep 2009, 17:25
Anyone try the ACAI berry products? I have a friend who distributes, and she wants me to try it for my RA symptoms...but I'm wary and the cost is high unless it really helps.
CU
01 Sep 2009, 12:38
Beware of Methotraxate side effect!! Our friend took it for several years for RA and now has irreversable lung disease and on oxygen 24-7!!! Her life is shortened consideable!!
rich
17 Aug 2009, 01:17
i am taking omega3 and flax seed oil for three years and no weight gain.
Tammy
07 Aug 2009, 17:08
HI,
I HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH RA SEVERAL MONTHS AGO. I AM ON METHOTRAXATE. I WAS OFFERED A NEW PRODUCT (NOT BY MY DOCTOR)- VEMMA (DRINK VITAMIN SUPPLEMENT)DID ANYONE TRY THIS PRODUCT AND DID IT HELP?
THANK YOU
Joy
06 Aug 2009, 10:49
I am thinking of tring pine bark. Anyone out there have luck with it? Any side effects?
SUJAY BASU
07 Apr 2009, 02:18
I had serious Arthrities issues, after lot of treatments I have now settled for the following dietiary suppliments from Forever Living Products forever Freedom Aloevera Gel, Arctic Sea (Omega 3), Garlic Thyme, Absorbent C. It is an quality American Product, more details AT www.foreverliving .com for the last one and a half years I have not had any attacks of Gout or Artharities. Neither any complaints of weight increase.
Margie Adcock
02 Apr 2009, 09:51
I take Omegas 3 regularly and have not had any weight gain. All of my vitamins & supplements are made by ProCaps Labs. They have a web site, www.procapslabs.com, but also sell on HSN. You may want to compare the list of ingredients from various companies. I don't know if that could make a difference. Maybe I am just lucky.
Linda
31 Mar 2009, 18:12
To Debbie re: weight gain/Omega 3 caps. I gained between 5-10 lbs last summer after taking these tabs, so I quit taking them. I started again about 4-6 wks ago and now I have an extra 10 lbs. again. Not sure if I stayed on them long enough to gain benefits but I can't afford to gain this much wt.
Debbie Williams
30 Mar 2009, 14:28
I've been taking Omega 3 oil capsules for about 3 months and felt great, however, I've put on 5 pounds. Research says it will not make you gain weight but I'm not sure what to believe. Anyone else have this problem?

Thank you

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