Vitamin and other non-FDA approval supplements

[JudyJB]

I am going to take some "eye health" vitamins at the suggestion of an ophthalmologist because my mother had macular degeneration, and I want to prevent it in me. I also bought some melatonin today to help me sleep some nights.

I do not take a lot of supplements, other than Vitamin D and the above, plus sometimes a general vitamin. But, since these drugs are not regulated by anyone, how can I tell if what I buy really has in it what it says it has in it?? I have heard horror stories about some manufacturers' lack of quality control. (I started thinking about this when I read the posting about dog food, which is also not regulated, I don't think.)

Are there any brands that are better at quality control?? How do you know this? Is there a "Good Housekeeping" seal of approval of sorts for these that I can look for?

[Shirlv]

Judy, I buy Nature Made supplements not FDA approved but is approved by USP which is better than nothing.

[MandysMom]

Consumer Report does reports periodically on vitamins and supplements. They have ranked COSTCO vitamins high in their reports where they test for ingredients and potency. Also, I agree USP is a good sign on label that they follow guidelines. You could also do some reading on CBD ( NOT THC and made from Hemp, not Cannabis). The tinctures I have heard from many friends help with pain and sleep. A good friend uses Bluebird Botannical and for first order they have a discount code on their web page. I just ordered and will report what I think. I like Bluebird because they are not a multilevel marketing company. But I also trust my friends experience. I like Melatonin but at times it gives me weird dreams, so I use as last resort. I also have a bottle of Wish Gardens -Sleepy Nights, I have the for kid strength. It has Valerian and other herbs. It's helped me when I have trouble getting to sleep. I use two half droppers full in a tiny cup of water.
Velda

[Redetotry]

Taking vitamins and knowing what brands can be confusing. I saw the following article on taking vitamin D at the link below. There is a brief discussion beneath the link. I really don’t take any as they upset my stomach. I don't know if this has already been addressed by vitamin companies as I have seen K listed on some.
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/arti ... in-k2.aspx
If you take oral vitamin D, you also need to take vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 deficiency is actually what produces the symptoms of vitamin D toxicity, which includes inappropriate calcification that can lead to hardening of your arteries
If you take a calcium supplement, it’s important to maintain the proper balance between calcium, vitamin K2, vitamin D, and magnesium. Lack of balance between these nutrients is why calcium supplements have become associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke

Also for those taking for considering CBD,it is very confusing an there is a lot of conflicting information! A good quality is essential, look for 3rd party lab results, you want to know how it has been extracted. Some say take a dropper full but the Facebook groups I am on all say start LOW with ONE drop and work up. This company seems to be well liked and has an assistance program for people with low income https://www.lazarusnaturals.com/shop/

Another caution is taking CBD with blood pressure medicine or any medication with a grapefruit warning. Some advise to wait 4 hours and it is ok but....here is an article.
One of the major features of THC is that it simultaneously activates the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. Activating both receptors induces a cardiovascular stress response that can elevate cardiac oxygen consumption while reducing blood flow in coronary arteries. While reports of adverse events are relatively rare, patients who are taking blood pressure medication should be aware that cannabis may compound effects.

CBD works amazingly well for some but it does take time to find the right one and to find the right dose your body needs.


https://www.leafly.com/news/health/cann ... pertension


Caution for Those Taking High Blood Pressure Medications

https://www.solcbd.com/blogs/news/cbd-n ... edicineThe science of CBD oil for blood pressure control is compelling, but a word of warning is required. For anyone already taking blood pressure medications, it’s inadvisable to take CBD alongside these medicines without speaking to a doctor first.
Grapefruit and CBD act similarly on hepatic drugs. These are drugs which metabolize in the liver. Although both grapefruit juice and CBD are completely benign substances under most circumstances, they inhibit the liver’s ability to quickly and efficiently process many prescription drugs. Essentially, CBD monopolizes the specific receptors required to break down the drugs.

Until the CBD fully absorbs, there is a chance for increased toxicity of the unabsorbed drugs in the bloodstream. Before making any adjustments to your current daily medication regime, always speak to a healthcare practitioner for accurate information on dosing and possible interactions.
This is a good resource.
We work with hospitals, doctors, and researchers to stay at the forefront of cannabis science, constantly striving to find new and better treatments and applications for cannabinoid therapies. Learn more about our research initiatives her
https://www.theroc.us/

[BirdbyBird]

I so appreciate the resources that this forum provides. Each of us know something about something...... Share on! Evaluate as you proceed.

Tina