I have been consuming tart cherry juice in the form of capsules or actual juice for years for gout. The last lot of gout medication I took, colchicine, works by inducing severe diarrhoea. You would think that when prescribing this drug, the prescriber would offer a warning of what might be to come, but no. The diarrhoea usually occurs about three to four days after taking the drug. I would not even have connected my severe bout of diarrhoea to the colchicine because of the time between when I started taking it and the diarrhoea, but I had a friend who was taking the same drug for a different condition and she had to call an ambulance as the diarrhoea was so severe and went on for hours and she was very weak and basically had no warning and had no idea what was going on. I had heard the tart cherry juice was also good for arthritis. I had done my own experiment a year prior, I popped three tart cherry capsules (sold a pharmacists for sleep) and then consumed a seafood basket with all those crustaceans, prawns, lobster, crab and not a sign of gout. So recently I had, what I assume is a flare of arthritis in my foot. I could hardly walk and had to use a walking stick, so I did a bit more research on tart cherry juice for arthritis. Scientific articles state that it does improve arthritis, elite athletes use it to help with the build up of lactic acid and even horse trainers slip a bit into the horses food for improved performance and recovery; all these wonderful benefits as well a more sound sleep. I had made an urgent appointment with my GP and lo and behold, nobody from the medical practice that I attend told me that my kidneys are on their way out and therefore I should not take any painkillers, in particular, anti-inflammatory drugs as they are really bad for the kidneys. So I had no other option but to try the tart cherry. I drink a small glass of cherry juice, purchased for $15 a bottle from Chemist Warehouse, every day and took three capsules a day. Lo and behold, here I am a week later and only a smidgen of pain. I can still feel that there is something not quite right there. I am waiting on the result of an x-ray but it will be a month's wait. I did show the GP I saw the bottle of capsules and she just shrugged her shoulders and had a snide look on her face. I am going to ask my local Woolies supermarket if they can stock the Dimes Sour Cherry Nectar, as I did when I lived in Sydney. It sells for about $3.50 a 1L carton at a supermarket as against the fancy named and described version at Chemist Warehouse for $15 and I am going to consume a medicine glass of it every day for the rest of my life. That stuff is an absolute miracle.

your doctor will tell you what vitamins you need according to your bloodwork, "most" people will get the vitamins they need if they eat healthy

I took vitamins all 3 times I was pregnant but now, I am not taking any. I don't really see the need to take them.

Well I would like any EXPERT to dare to say that we can get all our essential nutrients from food these days with our depleted soils etc. And perhaps they could answer why there are so many people getting sick. I do think you have to be careful and investigate what you are taking. This reminds me of the Government banning Ivermectin in the beginning and now admitting it has saved MILLIONS of lives. I say BE VERY CAREFUL OF WHAT EXPERTS YOU LISTEN TO. Yes - there are warnings about B6 but that is clearly written on bottles. For me - I will take my chances by taking vitamins.

Yes, I take vitamins as I lack Vitamin C and D...so far so good as blood tests reveal.

yes, I take vitamins because my body lacks them all the time i believe in them wouldn't go without them

I have just been watching this on the ABC warning about it.

I think you need to research vitamins as well as supplements closely. I take vitamin C, D, magnesium, tumeric, and zinc everyday. Knock on wood but I am 69, have diabetes and have avoided Covid so far.

Our food is not grown in a healthy manner. Once upon a time we could get all the vitamins we needed from our food. Now fertiliser is chemical not natural, it's picked green and never reaches full potential. It's a sad statement that we need vitamin supplements.

I take magnesium to help me sleep, I think it's better quality sleep. My therapist recommended it & my doctor agreed.

We should be able to get all the nutrients we need from the food we eat but unfortunately the food doesn't go directly from grower to our kitchen. Chickens don't lay all year round so eggs are stored for months some times. Bananas are picked green so that they aren't too ripe by the time they arrived in the supermarket. Other fruits and veggies are also picked unripe and some are gassed but others placed in cold storage so they aren't at their optimum when they are picked so can't possibly provide the same nutrients as freshly picked. I think you need to know which vitamins you are taking as well as the correct dosage. I took vitamins for a serious problem and feel they worked and I put my husband on vitamins and his dementia improved slightly. As we have had positive results we'll keep taking them, but I do wish they weren't quite so expensive.

We should be able to get all the nutrients we need from the food we eat but unfortunately the food doesn't go directly from grower to our kitchen. Chickens don't lay all year round so eggs are stored for months some times. Bananas are picked green so that they aren't too ripe by the time they arrived in the supermarket. Other fruits and veggies are also picked unripe and some are gassed but others placed in cold storage so they aren't at their optimum when they are picked so can't possibly provide the same nutrients as freshly picked. I think you need to know which vitamins you are taking as well as the correct dosage. I took vitamins for a serious problem and feel they worked and I put my husband on vitamins and his dementia improved slightly. As we have had positive results we'll keep taking them, but I do wish they weren't quite so expensive.

We should be able to get all the nutrients we need from the food we eat but unfortunately the food doesn't go directly from grower to our kitchen. Chickens don't lay all year round so eggs are stored for months some times. Bananas are picked green so that they aren't too ripe by the time they arrived in the supermarket. Other fruits and veggies are also picked unripe and some are gassed but others placed in cold storage so they aren't at their optimum when they are picked so can't possibly provide the same nutrients as freshly picked. I think you need to know which vitamins you are taking as well as the correct dosage. I took vitamins for a serious problem and feel they worked and I put my husband on vitamins and his dementia improved slightly. As we have had positive results we'll keep taking them, but I do wish they weren't quite so expensive.

Yes, you need vitamins supplements!!! I'm going to tell you something that is the true but your not going to like it. (Can't wait for the hate mail) I'm a school teacher at the end of teaching. (Taught health classes back in the day/what a joke.) Life is so full on. Today I cooked ribs with BBQ sauce, mac and cheese and buttered peas. Sounds great doesn't it?...well no. (Tasted great by the way) But that simple comfort meal had beyond the daily requirements in one meal. Fat content, salt and sugar was sky high. (Oh, did I mention I am a diabetic?) We need supplements cause everything/EVERYTHING in the supermarkets are high in fat, salt and sugar. Unless you are cooking fresh vegetables from a garden...wake up. You are doing it too.

I have been taking vitamins and minerals for years and they have done no harm but have greatly helped us in a lot of things we know a lot about this and taking natural herbs and thing to keep and stay well and build our immune system and we never took vaccines and will not and we get well fast if we get sick we are not sick for long.

About 3 months ago I started taking collagen, as im 54 and starting to see big aging signs on my face. I don't take and never have, any vitamins at all (apart from the vitamin c ones that grandma used to hide ) and I can definitely tell the difference in my hair, nails and skin !! Don't think ill be stopping anytime soon 😝

I personally felt better and had less joint pains when I stopped taking vitamins.

Vitamins and supplements if they are produced by a trustworthy, ethical company are doing more good than harm. Some people need them, some people don’t. Ask your own body.

Just consult with your doctor. A multi-vitamin and D3 are essential. Fiber too. I like the gummy ones.

Eating Healthily is sufficient.If you have a health issue go to your Doctor for advice

Consult with your GP. He is best to advise you on whether you need supplements added to your diet. Unless you have a specific health issue or do not eat a healthy diet, then you most likely don't need vitamins.

"Experts" disagree on this and many other things. You have to be your own best health advocate and read everything you can and see what the research bares out. I trust Life Extension articles because they back up everything with research. Any nutrients at higher dosages can be problematic. I take a lot of supplements but always follow the labels and don't take extra. Since I already take a senior muti vitamin, I don't take products that have single vitamins added so I don't get too much. I know that my supplements work for me because when I run out, I see the difference. I also stopped taking all prescription medications because of the side effects and take supplements instead and feel much better.

We need to keep a check on our natural vitamin in take and supplement where needed. Always check with your GP.

I've been asked by some of my Doctors over the years to take Vitamin C to increase my red blood cells. I only took them until told it had improved. As I have aged I've tried various vitamins but feel that green vegetables and a generally healthy diet mixture of meat, fish and vegetables is the best way of taking vitamins. I don't take any form of Vitamin D. Have always believed the sun gave me enough each day.

I’ve been prescribed vitamin D really not sure if it makes much difference

I have 2 Prescribed Vitamins. I think good.

Take Multi vitamin, zinc, B & recently magnesium & tummeric. Like to think they are helping me

I try to buy foods that can provide the vitamin and mineral content I need but I do take vitamin D it helps with bone heath .

I take multi vitamin, vit c and d and fish oil ,sometimes our diet does not cover I rather be safe than sorry

I have vitamin-associated malabsorption syndrome, so I load up with 3 types of vitamin D, multivitamins, and every other vitamin available. I take B12 for anemia associated with Chronic Kidney Disease. It is possible to overdose on any vitamin with resulting side effects.

Being a post-bariatric surgery person, I take a multi-vitamin every day as I cannot eat enough to get what I need from food. About 15 years ago, my (then) partner was put on vitamin b as it was discovered that it helped against dementia in people 50+. Not sure if that discovery has since been debunked, as happens with a lot of discoveries. It used to be that more than 2 eggs a week were bad for you. Now they are a superfood! Medicine is not an exact science. What works for some can be harmful to others. Do what works for you.

I recently read something about a religious organization that does something they call a purification ritual where they take large does of B vitamins and go jn to a sauna. It sounds pretty crazy to me but I am not an expert. I do know that some vitamins are fat soluble and some are water soluble. You can rid yourself of to much water soluble through urine but unless you are getting rid of fat by dieting it is easier to overdose with the fat soluble ones.My response may not totally answer your questions but consulting a doctor would be a good place to start.

Depends on the brand there are good brands that offer a top range of vitamins that are from Natu paths or health food shops getting the best out of foods is not all ways good because a lot of our food is not always grown naturally

I don't take any non-prescription pills without my doctor's approval. And I can't imagine taking OTC pills (like Vitamin B6) in "large doses".

Vitamin D as I used to be outside alot in the garden, but as I've got older I do a lot less outside.

Read up on vitamins. Know what u are taking and for what you are taking them.

Only thing supplement wise is iron because I'm anaemic due to pregnancy. Also had to have a infusion

What are large doses?Does not the human body just dispose of what it doesn't need?

Research where the vitamins are sourced from. Only take supplements sourced from natural organic human food. None of the chemically derived rubbish that your body just spits out

Everything in moderation (except sex).

I only take vitamins and supplements that my doctors talk to me about, allowing me to question and suggest alternatives, including changing my eating practices. I take Magnesium and D3, as well as Iron, but only in prescribed amounts.

Our diets are very poor in nutrients (USA) and the B Vitamins are water soluble so it makes it difficult for the body to store them, they get lost the urine, sweat, etc. B6 is needed for our bodies to convert food into energy, brain function and even weight loss. Our grains in cereals have to be fortified because our soil is weak and over processing is done, as well as GMO's ruining our stomach linings and creating leaking gut syndrome. Best to take all the B Vitamins together, they work the best this way.

Can't beat a balanced diet...

Honestly prescribed drugs have worse side affects and consequences for some folk. I recently took myself off blood thinners for that very reason. I guess you have to weigh up your own situation but I take a daily dose of magnesium and Vitamin D which was suggested by my doctor after a blood test.

I guess we need a blood test to see if we have any deficiencies. I take iron becuase I eat very little red meat (cant afford it) , zinc for immunity

Our levels should be tested via blood tests. Too much iron can be dangerous too

I only take Boost vitamins from Chemist Warehouse Michael

One of my best friends was taking a vitamin b supplement for several years along with other multivitamins. He developed a severe nerve condition over time and it took many years to subside. Before this I had never heard of anyone developing a health problem from taking vitamins.

Vitamins have their place, but expert advice is needed

No I don't take any thing like that as I think we eat a healthy diet. We did recently get some glucosamine and B3 for hubby as he has a bulging slightly slipped disc that was causing him some sciatica but has settled now. My dad raves about glucosamine as he takes it and he showed us how he can now get his foot above is knee which he couldn't do before, not bad for a 86 year old.

Iv'e been taking supplements for years because it helps with my fibromyalgia symptoms and if hadn't I wouldn't be able to function.Yes there is medication available to me but it didn't agree with me so I chose to go down the holistic road after consulting with a naturopath,best decision I ever made.I take magnesium,zinc,vitamin B,Iron,vitamin C,vitamin D and green tea..I have also started taking a mixture of natural herbs for menopause relief and it's helping keep things in balance.

Agree With What Allen B 175494 said... Eat Healthy Instead Also Do A Bit Of Training Even If It's A Walk Around The Block

eat healthy instead.

You can find a so called expert to say anything on anything—- as long as you give him 1M to do a study

I do take vitamin D, rather than risk skin cancer.

Everything can be grown in Australia and is much cheaper to eat fresh food stuffs and get all the goodness from them instead of swallowing goodness knows what wrap in "plastic" capsules. If this doesn't work for people then yes by all means see a doctor and confirm what is missing and can it be naturally rectified.Edited 15-Jan-25 16:21pm

I am taking Magnesium which I now heard the same about Vit B6. I is added to the magnesium I am taking. I had to reduce the magnesium intake because it was causing me to itch. I informed my GP and he was fine about me taking the magnesium. I wonder sometimes with these so called experts

What experts? These same experts think we get essential vitamin's after they spray toxic poisons on them to kill pests, I bet 'these experts' never condemn the toxic fast foods that are the staple died to too many. I prefer to go with the tried and true natural medicine which we have followed for over 100 years, And we are only on maybe one medication in our 80, we are mobile and active and a lot healthier than the under 60 we were bought up on Pharmaceuticals and fast foods or and vegetable oils. Good luck with these sel proclaimed experts

I consider myself a healthy eater..The only 2 items I take for my energy is a Berocca in the morning and a beer before dinner at night and I am 80 years old..would not waste my money on those various vitamins that are sold

Unless told to by a doctor, you do not need to take specific vitamins and supplements. Many of them are expensive snake oil that don't do what they claim, if anything at all, anyway. As for the warnings, the "expert" studies continually change their minds about whether something is good or bad for you, so best to simply ignore them. Everything normal thing you eat or drink is fine in sensible amounts, but if you go to excessive amounts you're asking for trouble. Similar with other things like exercise, working, etc. as well.

Our soils are deficient in trace elements and nutrients these days, and vitamin supplements can be beneficial. it is recommended to do your home work before taking, and if usure always check with your GP. Reputable company's who have been around for years are usually the best providers of vitamins.

Depends, some people have bodies that don't absorb vitamins from their food, so if the doctors tells them to take supplements they should. Otherwise their diet should contain all the vitamins they need.

Your doctor can do bloodwork to monitor your vitamins and minerals. Your use of the term "large doses" is a giveaway. Nothing is good in large doses. Common sense always rules! Unless you have a serious disease that only responds to large doses, you should never use large doses of anything, and if you do, there are always great risks. Check with your doctor. If you disagree, get a second opinion. You employ your doctor. If you don't like your doctor, fire him/her! It's your right to disagree. Not all doctors are good doctors. Remember it's called a "practice" for a reason!

Take Vitamin D as suggested by my Doctor.

Vitamin companies are some of the biggest liars and peddlers of mistruths that exist in the corporate world. They make Donald Trump look like an amateur!!!! They should be taken to court and exposed for the rubbish they spout and the danger they expose people. There are plenty of people out there that have had their lives destroyed because of the claims made by vitamin companies and peoples lack of proper information about what they are taking. I admit that people need to have more sense and do their own research before putting these things in their mouths but it does not alter the fact that vitamin companies are ALL unethical and liars. B6 is just one example of the dangers that await you from shoving these things in your mouth because a company told you you needed them. plenty of these vitamins and minerals are toxic if you take too many. Do you home work first!!

i only take vitamin C

I think some vitamins may be helpful.

No I don't,neither do my boys. My doc insisted your food intake should provide what you need. Having a knowledge the level of vitamins/ minerals etc in foods, and how they should be prepared and in what combination is essential. You could be eating all the right foods,but some vitamins aren't absorbed by the body without the presence of another,so you may not be getting the full benefit from them. If you by products that are " enriched" with certain vitamins take care,we only need trace elements of most. What you may think is healthy,in fact may be overloading you( like b group ),especially for children. Read the labels.

You definitely have to do your homework before you take supplements. I feel like a quality multivitamin can't hurt since we can't get all out nutrients from food anymore unless you have your own organic garden.

I take D3 mostly

Only take vitamins recommended by my GP after he gets blood test results. Usually only until the next test show back to normal.

I don't take any as the meals I eat cover all the things that my body requires, plus Vegemite stops the mozzies.Edited 15-Jan-25 08:29am

Many vitamins are useless and do not work as promised. Some brands are just stuffed with random things and have no health value whatsoever and this is because the vitamin industry is not really regulated (they do not have to prove that their products work or even that they are what they say they are).

We can no longer get the vitamins from our food as our soil is depleted of nutrients. I believe that vitamins are ok for us from a trusted supplier but we also can't just rely on vitamins to keep us healthy we need to eat the right foods avoid sugar and carbs and exercise

They are a racket Elizabeth Robert

Most of those "experts " probably paid off by big pharma. They don't want you to be too healthy now would they?

I love to have balanced diet daily but take supplements is necessary at times as l age

I saw a documentary on metagenics, taking high potency vitamin supplements to increase one’s energy and be more productive in work and work longer in the day.Then the other day, someone on Facebook was asking if someone knew where to buy IV vitamins. Sounds dangerous and playing Russian roulette with one’s life. Follow the advice only from your physician who will know if you need a vitamin supplement.

The only vitamin I take is magnesium and my Dr advised me to. I am often iron deficient and my Dr gives me a iron infusion when tests show I am low.

JANN R, TY....

TY AND HI writerrochelle...

Although I do my best to eat healthy, most of the time, I still take extra D3 because I'm inside most of the time, and extra C 1000mg because I need a healthy immune system, also a multi vitamin for Women over 50+. I've had no problems, and my Doctor monitors me. ;-D

I only take the vitiams I need and the ones I dont get enough of in my food and only the ones that help with some of my problems

Only if they have been recommended by a Qualified Medical person who has tests done and found that you are deficient in one, or more, Vitamin or Mineral. Recently Vitamin B6 has been found to be particularly dangerous. We don't need much of it and for the vast majority what is Naturally present in the food we eat we don't need moe. Unfortunately, probably simply to make even greater profits, there is nothing wrong in making a profit, manufacturers have been adding Vitamins and Minerals to their products claiming Great New Health Benefits for their products. We don't need any of them. Unless diagnosed as deficient most of these extras simply go towards creating very, very expensive Urine. All these Vitamins and Minerals are Extremely Expensive to buy, most of them are also Extrenely Cheap to make so using them is really only Profiteering on a wporld-wide scale. Ask your GP to order a Blood Test before you start possibly wasting a lot of money.Edited 15-Jan-25 06:31am

Be aware of what vitamins you are tak8ng and supplements. Some of these do not mix well and may be dangerous for you. Always stay knowledgeable.

Good to know what your taking, too much of anything isn’t good.

Yes you have to know how to use vitamins knowing the doses is very important taking and knowing that you are not taking others vitamins don't have the same things in it

I think there is certainly a place for supplements, and in some cases it is necessary. Personally, I choose natural in the first instance but will take supplements under consultation with my physician.

There is nothing wrong with taking a supplement especially if it's recommended by your doctor.

If your doctor says to take it, then follow their advice. Don't decide on your own.

while Supplements are a good source I think that one should look for natural ways to get supplements

I'm undecided

Agree with PEN15. Supplements are necessary if you have a deficiency and/or have absorption issues. TIP: only take what your Doctor says that you need. I took something that my Dr said to be careful of and avoid, was feeling horrible. Then I remembered my Dr's warning so I stopped taking it and was well within a day or two. TIP 2: if you are on Prescription medication, watch out for supplements that clash with it. I was in something and my current medication levels went through the roof and I went blind until it was out of my system. Summary: Be careful, aim to get your nutrients from your diet where possible. But supplement any deficiencies, and review at least bi-annually, more frequently if you are on Prescription medication.

I think in some cases, vitamins intake is essential like in pregnancy which saves from complications.

Always consult with a good physician. A lot of kooks out there with agendas etc. One of the biggest scams going out there are with these vitamin, herbal remedy etc. companies. Most great doctors will take care of you. The longer you live, the more money they make off of you, so have a little faith in real and tested science.

Nothing like social media.

HI,TY Robert F 1161011

drink coconut juice, straight out of the coconut. best ever refreshing water, just like water from deep under ground

I take a multi vitamin plus b12 and magnesium as they ate always low as well as iron

WELL, I LEARNED ALOT AS A LAB TECH AND ALWAYS CAREFUL WHAT I TAKE AND I WAS ONLY 14 .LOVED LEARNING EARLY IN LIFE..