Supplements

I decided to write about the supplements I take.

The two A supplements have been shown to reduce nerve pain, numbness, fatigue, and a harmful MS protein. The iron is because my iron stores were low when they were checked in June (and I am finally taking iron now). The milk thistle is to protect my liver--the MS meds can be hard on the liver. It is also an anti-inflammatory, which is important for MS. And it may act like estrogen, another possibly good thing for MS.

Alpha-lipoic acid, 600 mg
-Helps peripheral neuropathy: burning, pain, numbness
-Memory
-Energy, when taken with Acetyl L-carnitine
-May protect the central nervous system
-May help my retinas

Acetyl L-carnitine, 1000 mg (But I may want to increase to as much as 3000 mg.)
-Energy, when taken with ALA
-Brain function
-Nerve regeneration

Milk Thistle, 150 mg
-Liver protection
-Anti-inflammatory
-Heartburn (wouldn't it be nice if I could stop taking Protonix!)

Elemental Iron, 65 mg (But I am going to put it on hold to see if it is causing my stomach upset.)
-I am taking this because my iron stores were low when tested six months ago (finally taking it now). My circulating iron was fine.

Vitamin B12, 1000 mcg
-Energy, or so said Dr. Gabby. And other people. I was not low on it. It is a water-soluble vitamin, so there is probably no harm in taking it.

Vitamin D3, 8000 IU (Yes, twice the maximum recommended dosage--my levels are in the low average range on this dosage.)
-Hopefully reducing the frequency of MS attacks
-Protects against bone loss, which is a side effect of the steroids I have taken and may need to take again

Cranberry, 6000 mg
-Protects agains bladder and urinary tract infections

Yep, I take all of these every day, along with my Protonix and gabapentin.