Food Suppliments. A...
 

[Closed] Food Suppliments. Are there any you swear-by?

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Cold liver oil? Glucosamine? Carnatine? Vitamin B complex? Uncle John's wart?
What really works for you?


 
Posted : 13/07/2009 9:12 pm
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A proper, healthy, balanced diet works really well for me, thanks.


 
Posted : 13/07/2009 9:14 pm
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I might as well be the first of many to say i get all my supplements from eating healthily.

*smug* 😉

Edit: Damn...20 seconds too slow!


 
Posted : 13/07/2009 9:15 pm
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how predictable.


 
Posted : 13/07/2009 9:18 pm
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Chips.

...and condiments of any sort; I love the little pots of sachets that you get with pub meals, I use the food as a vector for the condiments, really.


 
Posted : 13/07/2009 9:18 pm
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Beer 😀 aka high carb, low fat rehydration supplement


 
Posted : 13/07/2009 9:20 pm
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🙂 @ crikey!

terrahawk, our posts are indeed predictable, purely because if you have a healthy diet you simply don't need any of that guff. Eat properly, that's all you need to do.


 
Posted : 13/07/2009 9:21 pm
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Co-enzyme q 10 – supposed to help stimulate and develop the Mitochondria and in turn ATP metabolic system
Given that I’m currently on my third week off work with chronic fatigue (the reason I started taking it in the first palace) I think I might need to adjust the does


 
Posted : 13/07/2009 9:31 pm
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Been thinking about this. How do you guys get your protein intake?

I read it should be 1.5g for every kg you weight - so for me I need 127.5g a day.

Recommendations for sandwich fillings appreciated.


 
Posted : 13/07/2009 9:31 pm
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Glucosamine sulphate if the knees are aching usually take it for a month then lay off it. Echinacea if there are loads of people at work with colds or I feel I am getting a cold. Usually combined with vit C. I think it helps keep colds at bay / speed recovery. Rode a lot through winter ate well (lots) felt good enjoyed life through the dark nights. Anything that helps the long wait for the summer nights is good!


 
Posted : 13/07/2009 10:18 pm
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THere's very little evidence that supplements are anything other than a con. Placebos now, they're a different matter...


 
Posted : 13/07/2009 10:21 pm
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do jaffa cakes count?


 
Posted : 13/07/2009 10:22 pm
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deffo cake


 
Posted : 13/07/2009 10:29 pm
 Nico
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But are jaffa cakes a cake, a tax-free biscuit, or a banned substance. The jury is still out (having their tea and jaffa cakes no doubt).

And why is there no custard or cream in custard creams?


 
Posted : 13/07/2009 10:37 pm
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[b]Daily:[/b]
Multi vitamin + minerals

Glucosamine + condroitin + joint ache reducing guff 1000mgx3

B vit

[b]When I've got a cold:[/b]
Zinc
Vit C

[b]When I've been to the gym:[/b]
50g Whey protein in water.


 
Posted : 13/07/2009 10:47 pm
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Glucosamine and chondroitin, 1500mg per day every day.


 
Posted : 13/07/2009 10:59 pm
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McVities Chocolate Digestives


 
Posted : 13/07/2009 11:01 pm
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Multivitamin and cod liver oil. It may well be Placebo but its kept Sir Ron Hill running every day for the last 60 years so there must be something in it


 
Posted : 13/07/2009 11:02 pm
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#
jam bo - Member

do jaffa cakes count?
Posted 1 hour ago # Report-Post

Its vitamin C innit.


 
Posted : 13/07/2009 11:24 pm
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As you say, 50% useful.
Especially about the zinc and Echinacea + vitamin C when the system's low and colds are abroad.
Glucosamine and the cod liver oil I know makes a difference in my dog's condition and like you say, if the older runners etc swear by them, there's never smoke without fire.
One old guy I was chatting with on Saturday runs every day and he's 75! His last (7th) London marathon as aged 65. His grandson is knocking on the GB Olympic swimming squad's door at 17 with a swimming scholorship at Harrow.
Me? I'm slowly falling apart at the seams at 45!


 
Posted : 13/07/2009 11:48 pm
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I try to eat a healthy balanced diet obviously and don't do half badly! On top of that I take some Glucosamine because I reckon it's worth a bet since I'm cycling most days. If I have a hard week in the saddle or some fast guests then I take some protien powder immediately after the ride and I find that definitely helps my legs the next morning.


 
Posted : 14/07/2009 6:35 am
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[url= http://www.ukmicentral.nhs.uk/headline/database/story.asp?NewsID=4907 ]Echinacea does not prevent Common Cold[/url]


 
Posted : 14/07/2009 6:45 am
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Interesting about the protein powder.

There seems to be subtle a shift away from the pure carbs in a post ride drink (and even during a ride) to getting more protein into the digestive system both during and after the ride.
I was chatting with CNP owner's brother-in-law about just this subject at the Polaris Challenge as they're from a bodybuilding background originally and are pushing their products in the biking arena.

Echinacea and zinc seem to work some minor alchemy if you catch the signs very early on. That much does seem to hold true - I know not how, but it was worth trying it out a few years back, after all, there's nothing to lose 'cept maybe 5 days off the bike with a stinking cold.


 
Posted : 14/07/2009 7:53 pm
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I use first defence (nasal spray) when I detect the first signs of a cold. It's very effective at either stopping it getting any worse or reducing the impact. Recommended to the house!

Lots of sleep is useful as well. I'm feeling run down and starting to feel / show signs of lots of late nights due to work and a young baby. Not good 🙁

smurf


 
Posted : 14/07/2009 9:14 pm
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Two things;

1. Anecdote is not the same as data.

2. How on earth did the human race ever survive long enough to invent the flush toilet, sliced bread, the flared trouser, the underwired bra and the bicycle without eating all this crap?


 
Posted : 14/07/2009 9:39 pm
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While the evidence base for supplements is generally poor, in that there is very few randomised control trails, there are other from of research and data (which would include anecdote) and while frowned on by ’science’ are often effective & appropriate.
My own research involved a literature search of the symptoms and physiological effects of chronic fatigue, which indicated damage and poor functioning of the ATP metabolic system and in particular the Mitochondria – a similar process was carried out with CQ10 where the evidence base indicates that it stimulates mitrchondrial activity


 
Posted : 14/07/2009 9:51 pm
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a similar process was carried out with CQ10

is that something you can eat ?


 
Posted : 14/07/2009 9:53 pm
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Penicillin, chemotherapy, keyhole surgery - all witchcraft, we survived thousands of years without them


 
Posted : 14/07/2009 9:56 pm
 Smee
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Biscuits, cakes, sweeties and pies supplement my diet of meat, pasta, fish, veggies and fruit.


 
Posted : 14/07/2009 10:02 pm
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Echinacea does not prevent Common Cold

"Of the 19 comparisons testing treatment of colds, 9 showed a significant effect compared to placebo, and six, no difference. "

Thems not bad odds. I think I'll get some


 
Posted : 14/07/2009 10:02 pm
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[i]there are other from of research and data [/i]

Sorry, either it works and can be shown to work in proper randomised double-blind controlled trials, or I reserve the right to disbelieve it.


 
Posted : 14/07/2009 10:04 pm
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L-Glutamine and a generic z-max anabol copy if i'm training hard and disciplined enough to not eat for a few hours before bed.


 
Posted : 14/07/2009 10:07 pm
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[i]Penicillin, chemotherapy, keyhole surgery - all witchcraft, we survived thousands of years without them [/i]

Penicillin, used to treat life threatening infections.

Chemotherapy, used to treat life threatening malignancies.

Keyhole surgery, used to allow less invasive surgical procedures.

Not really the equivalent of modern well fed western mankind wondering about taking extra superfluous vitamins.

Try a bit harder...


 
Posted : 14/07/2009 10:07 pm
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More food.

Oh, did we do predictable already?


 
Posted : 14/07/2009 10:11 pm
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Penicillin a happy accident & tbh antibiotic these day cause as many problems as they cure – research into food supplements struggles to get funding approval due to the vested interests of the medical profession and pharmaceutical industries who have a proven track record of stifling research in to alternative to there products.
Although the scientific community see RST as the gold standard for research methodology it is only truly affective in certain very specific circumstance (usually direct comparison) – other methodology such meta-analysis or systematic review are just as valid in comparing on treatment with another


 
Posted : 14/07/2009 10:22 pm
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[i]tbh antibiotic these day cause as many problems as they cure[/i]

Sorry, I stopped reading about there.

I work on an Intensive care unit, where people who are really sick end up. Some of those people die. A good proportion of those people survive because of antibiotics, so please spare me the complementary medicine approach, it does you little credit.

Oh, I've managed to read a bit a bit more; randomised controlled trials are the gold standard because it's the best way we have of testing IF THINGS ACTUALLY WORK.

There are things that work that we don't yet know about, there will be changes in treatment accordingly, but not on the basis of 'a man in a white coat said so'.


 
Posted : 14/07/2009 10:35 pm
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pharmaceutical industries who have a proven track record of stifling research in to alternative to there products.

Perhaps - but the big pharmaceutical companies make much of the vitamin supplements and push them as hard as they can


 
Posted : 14/07/2009 10:50 pm
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Hold on, just how big is the suppliment industry? It must be multi-billion dollars a year, so surely they can pay for their own research on this? Why do they have to wait until someone else does it?

Oh, it's not because they already know the outcome is it?

😉


 
Posted : 14/07/2009 10:59 pm
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Cold liver oil? Glucosamine? Carnatine? Vitamin B complex? Uncle John's wart?
What really works for you?

Are we talking about supplements for riding, or just everyday use instead of a healthy diet .... Im confused has this thread lost its ..... erm thread 😯

For riding i would use supplements if i am out training for hours, or on an epic weekender with friends to maintain high energy levels. And some recovery supplement, maybe depending on the day, racing or long weekends. For everyday use, No! just good food and a healthy diet, fruit, veg, fish, water, wine. keeps me working 😉


 
Posted : 14/07/2009 11:16 pm
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Thems not bad odds. I think I'll get some

I think you're confusing treatment and prevention. The headline of the Cochrane analysis is that Echinacea doesn't [b]prevent[/b] Colds. It's also worth noting that the word "significant" has a very specific meaning in statistics, and it doesn't mean worthwhile.


 
Posted : 15/07/2009 12:56 am
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A lively debate, and one I started as I was / am feeling a little run-down.
Partly due to long hours at work and increasing my ride lengths and frequency as I'm racing (?) pairs at Bonty in 10 days time.
As a single man, I have never been one to buy veggies or fruit (except bananas) as they simply seem to rot away in the deep recesses in my fridge.
Plus my knees especially are feeling a little tender and have started to click at full stretch, but we'll manage.
I just need to manage the feeding and the fatigue well on the day and not get sucked into gunning it - 24hrs is a long time!


 
Posted : 15/07/2009 7:02 am
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Beer.


 
Posted : 15/07/2009 7:40 am
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of course suppiments work - anyone that says different is dreaming. i.e you 'suppliment' your intake of protein, you are metabolising [u]more[/u] of it so it'll do more of it's job of rebuilding broken down muscle fibres if it's needed. If you are doing anything other than sitting around on your ass on the internet it stands to reason that you won't need to 'suppliment' a healthy balanced diet, however if you are doing anything that breaks down parts of the body you need to 'suppliment' a normal balanced diet, be it with food (not as efficient and probably more expensive) or through what you are calling suppliments.

And the 'we suvived thousands of years without it' argument, errrrrm how long did folk live back in the day ay? Maybe not as long as they would of done if they had a couple of protein shakes a week an a multivit!


 
Posted : 15/07/2009 8:11 am
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As a single man

What has that got to do with it? C'mon man, don't be a tired steretype 😉


 
Posted : 15/07/2009 8:22 am
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As a single man I understand exactly where the OP is coming from 🙂


 
Posted : 15/07/2009 8:45 am
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Shoefiti

If you have sufficient in your system then any more is uneeded. It is literally going down the drain. So says the evidence


 
Posted : 15/07/2009 8:46 am
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If you have sufficient in your system then any more is uneeded. It is literally going down the drain. So says the evidence

Indeed - that is why you suppliment! if you don't earn enough, you might 'suppliment' yout income - so you have more money for stuff - same with nutrition, of course you can't stick it in a bank like with dosh - but suppliments work because they are specific to needs, unlike extra food and can be taken in specific doses cheaply and readily.


 
Posted : 15/07/2009 9:09 am
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Shoefiti - but the point is that if you have a reasonable diet then you have no need to supplement even if you exercise. For the vast majority on here there will be no need as their intake is already sufficient for their needs


 
Posted : 15/07/2009 9:15 am
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So TG - what do you consume for extra omega 3 for example? Also 5 cups of strong coffee a day is shown to reduce the risk of Alzeimers, yet no 'reasonable' diet contains that qauntity of cafeine, ergo i'm going for a the approach that if it helps i'll have more of it.


 
Posted : 15/07/2009 9:22 am
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Balanced diet here - bag of chips in each hand!! 😀

On a serious note however I tend to eat plenty of fresh veg and fruit - rarely eat chocolate or biscuits, don't bother with supplements - used to do the Echinacea thing but had trouble remembering which week I need to give them a miss. (thank god I'm not a woman - I'd have 6 or 7 kids by now!!)IME Echinacea would only alleviate the cold symptons. These days when I start feeling rundown/unwell I ease up on the exercise until I feel better.


 
Posted : 15/07/2009 9:27 am
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A mate of mine is one of the worlds leading cancer research scientists and he told me years ago to always take a multivitamin every day, there is truth in the fact that you just p*ss a lot of it out he says but it can mop up the holes in your diet and if your body doesnt need it it bins it. Also for a few quid a month i reckon its worth the risk...


 
Posted : 15/07/2009 9:34 am
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it's always better to be on the train pissing out, rather than on the platform trying to piss in - or someething like that.


 
Posted : 15/07/2009 10:27 am
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A mate of mine is one of the worlds leading cancer research scientists and he told me years ago to always take a multivitamin every day...

Did your "mate" take into account the potential negative effects of taking vitamin supliments before coming to that conclusion? Sorry but assuming that what you say is true, that's still an "argument from authority" logical fallacy.


 
Posted : 15/07/2009 10:35 am
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Did your "mate" take into account the potential negative effects of taking vitamin supliments before coming to that conclusion?

such as ?
I know vit D toxic in severe overdose, but what other negative effects ?


 
Posted : 15/07/2009 10:58 am
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There is [i]some[/i] evidence that suppliments of Vitamins A & E can increase mortality although this evidence is not definative. The point I was trying to make was that doing something "just in case" without any clear evidence of efficacy isn't necessarily sensible as people tend focus on perceived benefits without assessing potential side effects.


 
Posted : 15/07/2009 11:08 am
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Did your "mate" take into account the potential negative effects of taking vitamin supliments before coming to that conclusion?

Na probably not, he is just a professor in the biggest cancer research lab in europe so probably didnt bother 😉


 
Posted : 15/07/2009 11:35 am
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he is just a professor in the biggest cancer research lab in europe so probably didnt bother

That being the case he should know better than to present an argument from authority, assuming of course that his expertise isn't in the role that vitamin supliments play in the prevention of cancer and that you haven't paraphrased what he said too much?


 
Posted : 15/07/2009 11:43 am
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Well, I did the monthly Tesco's shop this morning and found myself in the vegetable isle. Horror of horrors, I am still shaking!
Bought some fruit though and a pack of multi vitamins.
Plus the usual array of biking magazines.
Resisted any alcohol - again, but spent a fortune on dog food -instead!


 
Posted : 15/07/2009 11:50 am
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he is just a professor in the biggest cancer research lab in europe so probably didnt bother
That being the case he should know better than to present an argument from authority, assuming of course that his expertise isn't in the role that vitamin supliments play in the prevention of cancer and that you haven't paraphrased what he said too much?

Tell you what - dont bother taking one, i really dont care, this forum really is full of planks these days! 😡


 
Posted : 15/07/2009 11:56 am
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It's called "criticism". If you make claims like the sort that you have you should expect to be challenged on them. All I did was point out weaknesses in the argument you presented. Insults and logical fallacys are seldom helpful.


 
Posted : 15/07/2009 12:36 pm
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no its not its called criticism not critisism 😉


 
Posted : 15/07/2009 12:39 pm
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Now if only you'd applied that sort of attention to details to your original argument 😉


 
Posted : 15/07/2009 12:45 pm
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🙂


 
Posted : 15/07/2009 12:55 pm
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na seriously my original point was that i do trust his opinion even if it is only that - an opinion from a very learned point of view. but for the sake of a few £££ i reckon its worth it so long as you dont take too many and turn your liver to pate..
my problem is i take one but fancy taking cod liver oil too, joints are a tad achy after too many crashed over the years but they always come with extra vitamin a or d, cant remember which and not sure if its safe to take them at the same time.


 
Posted : 15/07/2009 12:58 pm
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It's or its?
Me thinks the thread has run its (note: not it's) natrual course.


 
Posted : 15/07/2009 12:58 pm
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you're right, nothing worse than a sloppy grammar pedant not applying the rules to himself 🙂


 
Posted : 15/07/2009 1:02 pm
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[pedant]Supp[b][u]le[/b][/u]ment [/pedant] 🙄


 
Posted : 15/07/2009 2:09 pm