Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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Vitamin Supplements and RA

RenneG
RenneG
Does anyone know where I can find a site that recommends vitamin and mineral supplements specific to RA? I have read in various places about the need for additional Calcium and Folic acid but would like a complete list. I want to start a supplement regime but want to make sure I get all the right things covered. Thanks
deleted_user
deleted_user
Don't know a good site to recommend, but my doc prescribed 1500 mg calcium and 2 mg folic acid when I started out, on MTX. I don't take MTX now, so I don't need as mucg folic acid, and have always taken 1200 mg calcium. I also take 600 mg magnesium, to go with th calcium, and 2800 mg vitamin D, to help calcium absorption.

I take other supplements (multi-B, C, fish oil and flaxseed oil), as well, but that's my calcium story.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Arthritis Today has a list for RA online: http://www.arthritistoday.org/treatments/alternative-therapies/alternative-medicine-treatment.php

Dr. McKoys Supplements for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Ginger Fresh ginger root incorporated into the diet, or ginger extract 100 to 200 mg three times daily.

Multivitamin with minerals Once daily. The supplement should contain 40 mg of zinc, 1 mg of copper and 6 mg of boron.

Fish Oil Two grams (or 2,000 mg) with each meal

Flaxseed One tablespoon flaxseed meal daily.

Digestive Enzymes (pancreatin/bromelain, etc) Follow dosing instructions on the bottle.

SAMe 400 mg three times daily.

Curcumin/Tumeric 400 mg three times daily

Vitamin D3 2,000 IU daily

Boswellia 400 mg three times daily

Cats claw 60 mg three times daily

Kaprex* (A proprietary blend of hops, oleanolic acid and rosemary) One tablet three times daily.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Oh and make sure that if you get enzymes that they're enteric-ally en-coated, meaning that they dissolve in the intestines rather than the stomach. This makes a HUGE difference. for myself, I use Serracor-NK which works really well with RA.