[bpcyclist]

I was on vitamin D while in the hospital. No idea if it did anything. Not using any supplements now, but was wondering if maybe I should be. What are people doing these days?

[Moose72]

Im on vitamin E (for my liver), b-complex, vitamin D and flaxseed oil.

[fern46]

I take fish oil every day. It increases neuroplasticity and that helps data move through your brain in a more optimal manner. Less inflammation is generally a plus.

Some years back, when I was depressed and tired all of the time, a pdoc tested my vitamin D level. It was normal.

There was a time when I was on a supplements kick. I took a lot of OTC fish oil, vitamin B complex, Biotin, Zinc, and about two or three other things, plus a small multi-vitamin. They did nothing for me at all. Some I took in hopes to reduce hair loss from Lithium or to reduce my triglycerides. The piles of pills were extreme. Not just the supplements, but my bipolar cocktail was huge, plus I took a couple other prescription meds. Taking so many pills felt psychologically distressing, so I cut out all of the supplements except the small multi-vitamin. Within weeks, I oddly started feeling a little better and my hair loss from Lithium eased. Go figure!

I have had to take a prescription iron supplement in the past because of iron deficiency anemia (from my IUD). It did seemingly help. Then the IUD was removed, so the prescription iron was stopped. I do still take OTC iron during my menstrual periods, when they are heavy. I think that's beneficial.

[Innerzone]

The only one that I do is vitamin D. I was tested a few years ago, and my levels were found to be very low. A heavy-duty rx supplement for a bit, then I've been supplementing ever since. A low level can seriously contribute towards depression. I did wonder if I could have spared myself any of that.... alas, we'll never know.

I also take a multi and calcium, but that's not on account of BP.

Many years ago, early on in my actual dx, I was at the pdoc's office, literally bouncing my butt all over the couch, insisting I didn't need meds. (LOL! ) She humored me with trying fish oil (and maybe something else, can't remember) and said..... "call me when you change your mind".

It did exactly zippo. And yeah, when I crashed, I made that desperate phone call.

[Nammu]

Never heard of Supliments for bipolar. I take fish oil and a multivitamin for general health.

[Sometimes psychotic]

Originally Posted by fern46

I take fish oil every day. It increases neuroplasticity and that helps data move through your brain in a more optimal manner. Less inflammation is generally a plus.

Totally agree...reverses the cognitive issues I was having....

I used to take vitamin D because my levels were very low, but who knows where they're at right now. Don't feel comfortable getting my blood drawn with the current state of things.

Used to take vitamins too, but not anymore. I've found they weren't really helping me. I think I have a good enough balanced diet that I don't really benefit from a multivitamin. But if my diet ever gets bad again, I will resume those multivitamins.

I'm not a doctor, but if you feel your diet is poor because of how things are nowadays, then I would say it can't hurt to take a multivitamin just to make sure you're getting all the right nutrients, as you -- a former doctor -- know very well that having malnutrition can greatly affect mood.

I think you can overdose on Vitamin D, though, leading to weakness, nausea, etc.. So, I don't know if it's worth taking Vitamin D unless you know for a fact your levels are low.

Fish oil is great too for people who need it, as fern and others have said here. You can get the burp free ones if you're interested, so that you don't taste fish if/when you burp. Just thought I'd point that out.

[simplydivine1030]

I Take Vitamin D and also a combo of Calcium/Magnesium and Zinc for my immune system

[Fuzzybear]

Fish oil...

[Rose76]

Originally Posted by BirdDancer

Some years back, when I was depressed and tired all of the time, a pdoc tested my vitamin D level. It was normal.

There was a time when I was on a supplements kick. I took a lot of OTC fish oil, vitamin B complex, Biotin, Zinc, and about two or three other things, plus a small multi-vitamin. They did nothing for me at all. Some I took in hopes to reduce hair loss from Lithium or to reduce my triglycerides. The piles of pills were extreme. Not just the supplements, but my bipolar cocktail was huge, plus I took a couple other prescription meds. Taking so many pills felt psychologically distressing, so I cut out all of the supplements except the small multi-vitamin. Within weeks, I oddly started feeling a little better and my hair loss from Lithium eased. Go figure!

I have had to take a prescription iron supplement in the past because of iron deficiency anemia (from my IUD). It did seemingly help. Then the IUD was removed, so the prescription iron was stopped. I do still take OTC iron during my menstrual periods, when they are heavy. I think that's beneficial.

The problem with taking iron orally is that it promotes the growth of bad bacteria in your gut. You might want to talk to your doctor about you taking it.

I've had pretty severe anemia a number of times in my life. Last 2 times I was anemic (due to GI bleed,) the MD sent me for intravenous infusions of iron. That's the best way to correct anemia, and it's fast.

Oral iron supplements get absorbed very poorly. You might be way better off to have a piece of steak, or some shrimp.

[Sunflower123]

I take a Women’s Ultra Mega which has 7 vitamins with everything. In addition, I take fish oil, NAC for my liver, vitamin C & D, biotin and I spray on magnesium for easy absorption. My pdoc recommended the fish oil, NAC and magnesium for my condition.