Supplements?

[Bethany1]

I was at GNC to get some Clif energy gels and the guy gave me a couple of packages of C4 Extreme and Super HD.

It's a good thing I read the packaging as the warning labels say not to take if you have seizures and on antidepressants among other health issues.

Of course he wanted to sell me stuff that was outrageously expensive and not sure what most of it was.

Are there safe supplements that are actually useful to your body? Or it all snake oil doctor sales? Because of the medical issues I deal with, I don't even bother looking in stores like these. I just knew they carried the gels I like.

[OakLeaf]

I'm not at all opposed to supplementing nutrients your body needs (e.g. electrolytes when I'm sweating a lot) or using plant-based medicine.

But without even looking at the ingredient list, if it comes from GNC, I'm inclined to say it's snake oil. If nothing else, they're not known for using the highest quality ingredients.

[kamikazejane]

Have to agree with the ladies. You just piss it all out and I strongly believe that you are better off getting the nutrients you need from food. I went into GNC last Saturday just to look at a bottle of L-Glutamine. Read the first sentence on the back which started with "Use of L-Glutamine might help in muscle recovery." What caught my attention was the use of "might" which made me put it right back on the shelf and reminded myself that all I will do is piss away my money when I can get what I need from food. The only pill I take is a Womens Multi Vitamin with extra calcium but I am sure I piss that out lol.

[westtexas]

Ok, so I agree with everyone else on the fact that you should be getting the majority of your nutrients from food (and along that vein that what you eat is the basis of health). But I do supplement with a few things because even though I tend to buy organic produce and naturally raised (meaning pastured, not feed-lot or confinement) meats, the mineral and vitamin profiles of food have changed over the last 100 years due to modern agriculture and foods aren't as "rich" as they used to be.

I take a daily multivitamin. I take omega 3s (I don't eat much seafood). I take Choline (a B vitamin that helps you process high-fat diets like mine). And I take vitamin D (since I work inside all day). The vitamin D I have actually seen a big difference with in my ability to not get sick as often and my mood is generally better. I will probably also be adding a magnesium supplement in the near future to help with leg cramping at night (I don't eat as many leafy greens as I should either).

Maybe I'm peeing it all out, maybe not. But I personally have noticed a difference in my health (placebo is possible) so I will continue to take vitamins. And eat well.

[Blueberry]

I take a select group of single supplements/vitamins with the knowledge and approval of my Doctor. There are some things she believes I might need extra of, or not get enough of.

So called "supplements" - my gut reaction would be to think they're snake oil.

[limewave]

I'm not at all opposed to supplementing nutrients your body needs (e.g. electrolytes when I'm sweating a lot) or using plant-based medicine.

That's my general philosophy as well.