Vitamins + Minerals

[pixi]

I was thinking of buying some multi vitamins and minerals but when I looked at the list of 'ingredients' I found that every different make all contained a small amount of nickel.  I am very allergic to nickel and because of this I'm not sure whether to buy any or not.  If I did take them would it be likely to effect me?

[d0gsb0dy]

If you have an allergy where nickel is concerned, don't buy foods made with hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats, as nickel is used in the manufacturing process and some of it remains in the product. They are generally bad for you, anywar.

[pixi]

Thanks dogsbody, although most of our food is made from scratch I will remember your advice, my nickel allergy is so bad, I hate to think what it could do to the inside of my body.  I never realised it could be in food, is it clearly stated on packets etc about the hydrogenated fat?  Sorry to sound thick but I've just not heard of it before.   :)

[morg_monster]

It is possible that if you have a skin contact reaction to something you would not get side effects from ingesting it.  Have you knowingly excluded foods containing high levels of nickel from your diet?  These can include chocolate, salmon, nuts, and canned fruits and vegetables.  If you still eat these happily, especially the canned food, then chances are you are not highly sensitive to nickel and you will probably be fine with the multivitamins.  At any rate the reaction you are likely to get won't be life threatening, probably generalized eczema (obviously not ideal though!)

You should talk to your doctor or allergist (if you have one), alternatively maybe try asking the staff at Holland and Barrett's or somewhere similar, they may have had previous customers with similar problems. 

Remember that if you have a balanced diet (especially if you make your food from scratch!) you shouldn't need vitamin or mineral supplements.  Is there a particular reason you want to use them?

[Impret-Sir]

Pixi, I take a Holland and Barrett 'Radiance' multi vit and mineral tablet every day, looking on the label I cant see any mention of nickel.

[pixi]

hi morg_monster, thanks for the advice, although I dont eat canned food very often, or salmon, I do eat quite a lot of chocolate. The reason I thought about taking the tablets was because I have fibromyalgia (similar to arthiritis) and as the fibro causes IBS I have to be careful what I eat, so thought taking the vitamins/minerals would be 'good' for me.

Impret-Sir, thanks for the reply, I'm just going to nip on the H + B website and take a look.  byee

[flaming]

dogsbody - I didn't realise about the nickel in the manufacturing process of manufacture of hydrogenated fat!  I thought it was bad enough and have been avoiding it for some time.  Yes, pixi, it is listed on the ingredients but I have bought one or two things only to find that the ingredients list, when I inspect it with a magnifying glass, contains the dreaded substance.  Google "hydrogenated fat" and you will see why it's not a good ingredient.  Trouble is it is in lots of foods.  I know it has a lower(higher?) melting point than veg. oil and keeps things in shape, but there are alternatives.  I reckon it is the cheapest option.  Perhaps the allergy is only external, but HF is a good thing not to have, in any case.

Incidentally I had a nickel allergy which is often hovering to itch.  The place concerned is where my bra strap hook hits my back.  A form of dermatitis.  I use Graphites ointment, a homeopathic remedy, which has been more helpful than stuff given by my GP,and better than the coal tar strengthened ointment a top skin specalist prescribed.  Certain clip on earrings started little places on my ears, and now I think a "place" might be starting on the back of my neck, kept at bay by my Graphites.