I believe Vitamin C and Zinc are supposed to boost your immune system.

However with RA the DMARD drugs like methotrexate and the rest are supposed to suppress the immune system aren't they?

So is there a logic which says we don't take additional vitamin c/zinc at all?

Just wondering.

Darshin

Hi Darshin,

That would not be Redoxan you are taking, I have been taking that for years and I keep really well so it should not be a problem. I asked my pharmacist and he said it was ok. I keep a note of all the things I take for colds etc. I also take a multi vit and Iron and I really do not get many coughs, colds etc.

Check it with your pharmacist and you will place safe.

You will see a difference soon.

keep being positive.

Lorna

Hi Darshin

There is a lot of contradictory information on the internet about the value of immune boosters, vitamins and supplements used by people with RA. There are few that have undergone thorough testing and, as far as I am aware, at the present time the only ones with proven benefit are the Omega 3 fatty oils. This is the NRAS link on dietary advice.

Additional vitamin supplements are generally regarded as unnecessary due to our varied diet from which adequate vitamins are obtained. Natural foods sources are always more beneficial than 'pill popping' (despite what the ads would have us believe! ) because they contain not only a selection of vitamins but also the very important complementary minerals.

Vitamin C is necessary to good health and no doubt to immune function. But, numerous studies have shown that vitamin C supplements have minimal or no effect on the immune response, unless you are deficient in C. It is also an acid and when taken in large doses can affect the normal balance of the system. Some people are more sensitive than others so it is a case of live and learn what is right for you. It is a water soluble vitamin and is not stored in the system.

Likewise iron is of no real benefit unless you have a deficiency. This is quite often the case in RA, due to chronic inflammation, and shows itself in the blood tests as a lowered level of haemaglobin. Further tests are done to check Ferritin levels. If anaemia is diagnosed oral iron supplements are usually prescribed temporarily to correct the problem.

I can't remember about zinc so no help there I'm afraid! As others have already said do check with your rheumatologist as some supplements are known to cause problems with people taking methotrexate and biologic drugs. It is also in their interests, as well as our own, when they come to analyse the efficacy of the drugs they have prescribed!

I prefer to stick with what I regard is a healthy diet and prescribed meds only. That way no surprises await ... we get enough of those with the RA! But that's just me

Lyn x

I always thought we took our RA drugs to damp down the immune system. If we then start taking stuff to boost it, isn't this a contradiction int erms? Not being funny, just confused and would love to know the answer to this xx

I agree with what Jean has said. My understanding of RA is that our immune system has gone into over drive and is attacking our body. The drugs that we take are to suppress our immune system, calm it down, thats why we are offered the flu injection, told not to take MTX when we have infections etc and generally keep away from people who are ill.

So, if we took anything to boost our immune system it would be working against our prescribed medication.

Paula x