Am I overdoing my vitamins?
 

I take:

calcium
fish oil
flax see oil
condroitin
multi for her 50+
omega 3
potassium
vitamin c

Someone told me that I should not be taking fish oil, flax seed oil and omega 3. They said that 1 of those would be enough.

I take these once per day.

TIA for any advice.

Got this from Wikipedia..
"In a letter dated October 31, 2000 entitled Letter Regarding Dietary Supplement Health Claim for omega-3 Fatty Acids and Coronary Heart Disease, the United States Food and Drug Administration Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling, and Dietary Supplements noted that the known or suspected risks of EPA and DHA ω−3 fatty acids may include:

There have been reports that increased bleeding can occur if overused (normally over 3 grams per day) by a patient who is also taking aspirin or coumadin (warfarin). However, this is disputed.[1]
The possibility of hemorrhagic stroke (only in case of very large doses, called "Eskimo amounts").[51]
Oxidation of ω−3 fatty acids forming biologically active oxidation products.
Reduced glycemic control among diabetics.
Suppression of immune and inflammation responses, and consequently, decreased resistance to infections and increased susceptibility to opportunistic bacteria.
An increase in concentration of LDL cholesterol in some individuals.
Subsequent advices from the FDA and national counterparts have permitted health claims associated with heart health."

I agree with whoever told you about taking only one of the fish oil, flax seed oil or omega 3 supplements. Seems like a lot.

I would think it only necessary to take 1 omega-3 supplement, which is mainly why people take fish and flax oil.

Also, how much potassium, vitamin C, and calcium does your multi contain? If it had close to 100% of your daily intake then I'd drop the extra. You should be getting some of these from food sources as well. The calcium may be necessary though (most multi vitamins don't contain enough.) Too much C can cause the runs (sorry for the TMI), so I wouldn't over do that.

I just take a multi and fish oil myself.

Geez. Anne, that what a lot of information. Thank you.

I think I'll take the fish oil until it is gone. When it is gone, I'll start with the Flax Seed Oil. When that is gone I'll finish the Omega 3.

I only take 1 vitamin C so I'm not worried about that.

The calcium says to not exceed it because it can cause the runs. It is a chewable calcium.

I've noticed that I tend to get leg cramps if I go too long without potassium (more than 2 days). I eat a banana almost daily. I've heard that a banana gives you all the potassium you need in a day. Perhaps I should take the potassium on days when I don't eat a banana in my cereal.

I haven't had a blood panel done in several years. Now that I've lost some weight, maybe I should have another one. I think I'll wait until the new insurance kicks in after the first of the year. I was taking just about all these things except the fish, flax and omega super cocktail the last time I had blood work done.

Thank you so much for the information.

Also if you're on any prescripiton meds, you might want to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your supplements. There can be interactions (my fish oil bottle has a warning label that says not to take it if you're on prescription med without talking to your doctor).

I take Fosamax on Saturday mornings. That is it except for the ocassional Claritin.

Mare- you may want to add some avocado to your diet. Has more potassium than banana plus the fat is "good" fat.