Your health questions answered by leading doctors and nuritionists

RELIEF FROM LEG CRAMPS

“What are the causes of leg cramp? Are there any supplements or a particular diet to consider for these painful muscle
contractions? Can one of your experts please advise.”
Mrs J Davies, Lancashire

Leg cramps are common, especially at night and very rarely a symptom of serious disease. In most cases we simply don’t know what is triggering them and there is no long-term harm although they can be very distressing. However, if you have other symptoms, or are taking prescription medicines such as diuretics, check with your doctor that you are not losing too much salt. Try to get some light exercise each evening - take a short stroll or do some yoga - and include some gentle stretching of your legs. Avoid taking too much caffeine; it might be worth switching to decaffeinated coffee and tea.

Vitamin E has been shown in one study to help - all but two of the 125 patients examined had complete or nearly complete relief of their cramps when they took vitamin E regularly. The dose is 300iu per day. It’s also important that you make sure that you are getting plenty of magnesium, calcium, potassium and vitamin C, or take a multivitamin and mineral supplement if you are worried that your diet is inadequate.
Dr Trisha Macnair

A HEALTH ‘INSURANCE POLICY’

“I am now 68 years old and wonder if I would get added benefit from taking multivitamins and minerals?”
Mrs Lois McKenna, Folkestone

A good multivitamin and mineral supplement provides a nutritional safety net and gives your immune system a helping hand. Research involving 96 elderly people showed those taking multi-vitamins for one year had better immune function, mounted a better response to influenza vaccination, and suffered half as many days ill with infections compared with those not taking the supplements.
Dr Sarah Brewer

MANAGING THE MENOPAUSE

“I have for some years taken evening primrose oil supplement at two x 500mg a day. I have now started the menopause and wonder whether it is advisable or necessary to continue. What would be the benefit? Are there other supplements I should consider taking at this stage of life? I have always felt EPO to be a benefit to me.”
Mrs G Hadrill, Hampshire

I would continue EPO as it provides building blocks for making hormones and is an excellent internal moisturiser for skin, helping to stop the dryness and flaking which can occur after the menopause. Other supplements to consider are a multivitamin and mineral (your need for many nutrients increases with age) and additional antioxidants such as selenium, lycopene or alpha-lipoic acid. Omega 3 fish oils help to reduce inflammation and, along with glucosamine, to maintain healthy joints. For menopausal symptoms, soy isoflavones are beneficial. Ensure a good intake of calcium to help maintain healthy bones.
Dr Sarah Brewer

PROSTATE HEALTH ADVICE

“I have been taking saw palmetto for several months for my prostate and have been pleased with the results. Now that my symptoms have diminished quite dramatically, should I still take it?”
Mr R Solway, Birmingham

Saw palmetto is safe to take long term, and in fact this is the best way to take it; the prostate can continue to enlarge over the age of around 45 due to the way it responds to changing hormone levels. Saw palmetto helps to reduce this response and helps the central part of the prostate gland to shrink. Although you have got your prostate back down to a manageable size, it can start to cause problems again in the future, so it is wise to continue taking the saw palmetto. Seek medical advice if symptoms start or worsen or change in nature. You might also consider adding in a zinc supplement, as zinc is needed for optimum prostate health too.
Dr Sarah Brewer

If you have a question about the use of vitamins and supplements, please write to us at: Ask The Experts, PO Box 64, Park Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 3BT or email info@healthspan.co.uk.

We regret none of our experts can answer your letters personally. While our panel of medical and nutritional advisers offer their professional opinion in answer to your questions, the advise given should not be used as a substitute for visiting a qualified practitioner.

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