Too many supplements (pills) - detrimental to health?

We take supplements for many reasons - to increase training output in the case of preworkout supps, increase feed efficiency in the case of digestive enzymes and the like, and multivitamins for obvious reasons. When all is said and done, this could mean taking a LOT of pills, daily. Has anybody looked into the potential negatives of ingesting so many pills, particularly with regard to liver health. When I look at my new protocol, it begs this question:

am, preworkout:
animal pak (11 pills)
B-Complex (1 pill)
L-Arginine (2 pills)
L-Citrulline (4 pills)
Stinging Nettle Root extract (1 pill)
Digestive Platinum (1 pill)
Chromium (1 pill)
DHEA (1 pill)
Pregnenlone (1 pill)

That's 23 pills before I even eat my first meal of the day.

Then with each meal throughout the day:
Digestive Platinum (1 pill)
Chromium (1 pill)

That's 8 more pills

Before bed:
Stinging Nettle Root Extract (1 pill)
D3 (3 pills)
B-Complex (1 pill)

That's 5 more pills

Grand total of 36 pills/day. Makes me wonder, am I doing myself more harm than good...?

I just take a multi lol

Austinites pill stack is ridiculous too

I try to use only caps, powders, and soft pressed pills to help with stomach issues I've had with large amounts of pills before.... I haven't had any issues with my stomach as of lately but as far as liver and kidney issues that's a good question..... Id be interested in seeing what others have to say

I would have been dead by now. lol. Most of the supplements we take we either get from food or our bodies produce them naturally. We just take more of it. Unless dosing is way off, no harm done really. I've gone to extreme doses in the past and it's made me feel sick. I never counted how many pills I take, but I'd guess over 50 a day. I've never really worried about my liver because I run NAC year round and I attribute the health of my liver (which is awesome) to NAC. I even run Ulcetrol periodically to help protect the stomach lining. Probably don't need it tho.

It's also important to know if anything we take could have adverse effects when taken with another compound. But even that is rare and mostly involves prescription medication. Timing is also important. I try not to take too many pills on an empty stomach unless it's required. It's important to remember that we don't NEED all these supplements.

Nice protocol you got there, gb!

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Originally Posted by gbrice75

We take supplements for many reasons - to increase training output in the case of preworkout supps, increase feed efficiency in the case of digestive enzymes and the like, and multivitamins for obvious reasons. When all is said and done, this could mean taking a LOT of pills, daily. Has anybody looked into the potential negatives of ingesting so many pills, particularly with regard to liver health. When I look at my new protocol, it begs this question:

am, preworkout:
animal pak (11 pills)
B-Complex (1 pill)
L-Arginine (2 pills)
L-Citrulline (4 pills)
Stinging Nettle Root extract (1 pill)
Digestive Platinum (1 pill)
Chromium (1 pill)
DHEA (1 pill)
Pregnenlone (1 pill)

That's 23 pills before I even eat my first meal of the day.

Then with each meal throughout the day:
Digestive Platinum (1 pill)
Chromium (1 pill)

That's 8 more pills

Before bed:
Stinging Nettle Root Extract (1 pill)
D3 (3 pills)
B-Complex (1 pill)

That's 5 more pills

Grand total of 36 pills/day. Makes me wonder, am I doing myself more harm than good...?

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Damn gb, why do you take so many Animal Pak pills? You are better off buying individual vitamins and minerals in my opinion.

I would be lying if I said I haven't had the same concern. Taking so many supplements doesn't seem natural (I know we have had a similar discussion on milk). One way I am trying to avoid any complications (if any are likely) is by taking powders that way I don't have to digest so many capsules. I will see how I feel (I won't know internally) after a while; and if there is something I don't like, then I will get advice on what supplements to cut out.

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Originally Posted by basketballfan22

Damn gb, why do you take so many Animal Pak pills? You are better off buying individual vitamins and minerals in my opinion.

I would be lying if I said I haven't had the same concern. Taking so many supplements doesn't seem natural (I know we have had a similar discussion on milk). One way I am trying to avoid any complications (if any are likely) is by taking powders that way I don't have to digest so many capsules. I will see how I feel (I won't know internally) after a while; and if there is something I don't like, then I will get advice on what supplements to cut out.

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Fuk being natural! haha. jk.

Also I don't plan on taking any supplements on an empty stomach.

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Originally Posted by austinite

Fuk being natural! haha. jk.

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Haha. What does "natural" even mean? It's a rather subjective term. Admittedly I am a hypocrite too considering I plan to use AAS eventually. So much for "natural," lol.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by austinite

I would have been dead by now. lol. Most of the supplements we take we either get from food or our bodies produce them naturally. We just take more of it. Unless dosing is way off, no harm done really. I've gone to extreme doses in the past and it's made me feel sick. I never counted how many pills I take, but I'd guess over 50 a day. I've never really worried about my liver because I run NAC year round and I attribute the health of my liver (which is awesome) to NAC. I even run Ulcetrol periodically to help protect the stomach lining. Probably don't need it tho.

It's also important to know if anything we take could have adverse effects when taken with another compound. But even that is rare and mostly involves prescription medication. Timing is also important. I try not to take too many pills on an empty stomach unless it's required. It's important to remember that we don't NEED all these supplements.

Nice protocol you got there, gb!

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I'm mostly concerned with the fact they're mostly hard pills, not so much what I'm taking and/or dosages.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by basketballfan22

Damn gb, why do you take so many Animal Pak pills? You are better off buying individual vitamins and minerals in my opinion.

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I don't!! I take 1 pak per day, each pak contains 11 pills. Suggested serving is 2 packs actually!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by basketballfan22

I would be lying if I said I haven't had the same concern. Taking so many supplements doesn't seem natural (I know we have had a similar discussion on milk). One way I am trying to avoid any complications (if any are likely) is by taking powders that way I don't have to digest so many capsules. I will see how I feel (I won't know internally) after a while; and if there is something I don't like, then I will get advice on what supplements to cut out.

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My response to the milk comparison is at least it IS natural, in so much that it occurs in nature. These pills are 100% man made. Not that I care either way mind you; just playing devil's advocate.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by basketballfan22

Haha. What does "natural" even mean? It's a rather subjective term. Admittedly I am a hypocrite too considering I plan to use AAS eventually. So much for "natural," lol.

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Lmao. Same goes for most on this board! :lol:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by austinite

I would have been dead by now. lol. Most of the supplements we take we either get from food or our bodies produce them naturally. We just take more of it. Unless dosing is way off, no harm done really. I've gone to extreme doses in the past and it's made me feel sick. I never counted how many pills I take, but I'd guess over 50 a day. I've never really worried about my liver because I run NAC year round and I attribute the health of my liver (which is awesome) to NAC. I even run Ulcetrol periodically to help protect the stomach lining. Probably don't need it tho.

It's also important to know if anything we take could have adverse effects when taken with another compound. But even that is rare and mostly involves prescription medication. Timing is also important. I try not to take too many pills on an empty stomach unless it's required. It's important to remember that we don't NEED all these supplements.

Nice protocol you got there, gb!

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What is NAC?

N-ACETYL CYSTEINE. Great for your liver and a host of other benefits.

If you are really concerned get a liver panel and kidney function check. At least it would put your mind at ease if it all comes back good. If not then adjust accordingly. lol.

I'm on about 12 tablets a day, but part of that is liver support so I'm hopefully limiting any damage. Hopefully.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gbrice75

I'm mostly concerned with the fact they're mostly hard pills, not so much what I'm taking and/or dosages.



I don't!! I take 1 pak per day, each pak contains 11 pills. Suggested serving is 2 packs actually!



My response to the milk comparison is at least it IS natural, in so much that it occurs in nature. These pills are 100% man made. Not that I care either way mind you; just playing devil's advocate.



Lmao. Same goes for most on this board! :lol:

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My lack of knowledge about Animal Pak was on full display. I didn't know one pack contained so many damn pills. I won't comment on milk either. I don't want to go on a tangent and switch the focus of this thread, lol.

I have one unrelated question. How the hell do you break up one post into several quoted passages in a response? I have almost 400 posts, and I still don't know. Granted I haven't experimented with it, but still.

^ next to "reply with quote" is a Multi-Quote icon. http://forumcdn.steroid.com/images/b...e-back_40b.gif

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Originally Posted by Brazensol

If you are really concerned get a liver panel and kidney function check. At least it would put your mind at ease if it all comes back good. If not then adjust accordingly. lol.

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I get liver panels done at my regular HRT labs, everything is good right now but I'm more concerned with down the road...

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Originally Posted by qbizm

I'm on about 12 tablets a day, but part of that is liver support so I'm hopefully limiting any damage. Hopefully.

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I might as well add another pill or two for liver support... catch22 much!? lol

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Originally Posted by basketballfan22

My lack of knowledge about Animal Pak was on full display. I didn't know one pack contained so many damn pills. I won't comment on milk either. I don't want to go on a tangent and switch the focus of this thread, lol.

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lmao. I'll thank you for that!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by basketballfan22

I have one unrelated question. How the hell do you break up one post into several quoted passages in a response? I have almost 400 posts, and I still don't know. Granted I haven't experimented with it, but still.

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You mean one post from the same person broken up into multiple responses... like:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by basketballfan22

I have one related question

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Sure BBfan, go ahead

Quote:

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Originally Posted by basketballfan22

How the hell do you break up one post into several quoted passages in a response?

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I see you like my 'secret ninja' style of replying!! ;)

I think as long as your panels are steady and not trending in the wrong direction I don't think there is not much to worry about. Of course, I'm not a doctor... but they scare me anyway!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Brazensol

I think as long as your panels are steady and not trending in the wrong direction I don't think there is not much to worry about. Of course, I'm not a doctor... but they scare me anyway!

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Agreed. The answer lies in the blood!

Here is my liver on all the supplements I take. This is with NAC is my protocol.

Attachment 139106

Quote:

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Originally Posted by austinite

Here is my liver on all the supplements I take. This is with NAC is my protocol.

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Nac the only supplement you recommend for liver? All my blood work looks good but have considered adding something just to be safe.

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Originally Posted by FRDave

Nac the only supplement you recommend for liver? All my blood work looks good but have considered adding something just to be safe.

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NAC is the only thing you'll need for liver.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by austinite

NAC is the only thing you'll need for liver.

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This fine for my mom as well? Her AST & ALT were off the charts (had all kinds of testing and found nothing wrong / assuming its from the chemicals she works with). Maybe do the 600mg twice daily as suggested on the NOW branded NAC.

Also, does this need to be cycled or are we good taking daily for years on end?

Thanks in advance

^ Sure why not. 1200 a day is excessive unless you're cycling oral steroids. I'd be concerned however if a doctors couldn't get the liver cleaned up. Maybe time to seek a second opinion. NAC doest have to be cycled. I'm on it year round.

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Originally Posted by austinite

^ Sure why not. 1200 a day is excessive unless you're cycling oral steroids. I'd be concerned however if a doctors couldn't get the liver cleaned up. Maybe time to seek a second opinion. NAC doest have to be cycled. I'm on it year round.

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Ill have to talk more in depth with her. Just know they did all kinds of testing including colonoscopy and what not. Then again, were talking Kaiser whom are the same people who told me my test levels of 320 were normal for a 30 yr old with no past drug abuse :-/

Well, a blood test is a blood test. Doesn't matter what they say about it, lol. I don't think they'd lie to you about your test levels.

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Originally Posted by austinite

Well, a blood test is a blood test. Doesn't matter what they say about it, lol. I don't think they'd lie to you about your test levels.

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320 on a range of 250-850. I went to a certified a4m Dr and got on trt (80mg a week) and feel like a whole new man. Best thing I have done after feeling like crap for the past 5 years.

Gotcha. I guess I didn't understand the reference earlier. Anyway, glad you're feeling better Dave!

I don't see why you'd be concerned about your liver, unless what you're taking is hepatotoxic. It isn't in pill form anyway by the time it enters hepatic circulation, so it could be in food, powder, or liquid form. lol

The only concern I see with taking a bunch of pills is stomach irritation/acid reflux issues, since many of these pills contain highly acidic ingredients (anything "acetyl", ascorbic acid, etc). I get heartburn if I down all of my vitamins and supps at once, so I've now started breaking them up just for that reason.

Ok, I'll ask. What is NAC?

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Originally Posted by Brazensol

Ok, I'll ask. What is NAC?

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refer to post # 11 in this very thread.

Don't know how I missed it! Thanks.

Er... how much?

600mg daily for me year round for a while. Recently switched to 3 days a week. If running oral steroids, I increase to 1200mg during that period.

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Originally Posted by austinite

^ next to "reply with quote" is a Multi-Quote icon. http://forumcdn.steroid.com/images/b...e-back_40b.gif

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Ah, I see how it works. You click that icon on several posts; then click "reply," and it will quote all of the selected posts. Now since gb doesn't want to reveal his "secret ninja style," ;) how do you break one post into several quotes? For example, he broke up my last post and was able to type a response to several sections of it. Lastly, how are you able to embed pictures so nicely like the "multi-quote icon" and the nice pictures you have in your "Amino Acids" thread?

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Originally Posted by basketballfan22

My lack of knowledge about Animal Pak was on full display. I didn't know one pack contained so many damn pills. I won't comment on milk either. I don't want to go on a tangent and switch the focus of this thread, lol.

I have one unrelated question. How the hell do you break up one post into several quoted passages in a response? I have almost 400 posts, and I still don't know. Granted I haven't experimented with it, but still.

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Exact

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Originally Posted by basketballfan22

Ah, I see how it works. You click that icon on several posts; then click "reply," and it will quote all of the selected posts. Now since gb doesn't want to reveal his "secret ninja style," ;) how do you break one post into several quotes? For example, he broke up my last post and was able to type a response to several sections of it. Lastly, how are you able to embed pictures so nicely like the "multi-quote icon" and the nice pictures you have in your "Amino Acids" thread?

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ly.

Okay, you "right click" on the multi-quote icon and select "Copy Image Address." I still haven't figured out your other pictures though.

Reading and Posting Messages

I am ashamed to admit that I have never visited the FAQ page before. Thanks.

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Originally Posted by basketballfan22

Ah, I see how it works. You click that icon on several posts; then click "reply," and it will quote all of the selected posts. Now since gb doesn't want to reveal his "secret ninja style," ;)

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Bahahah!!!

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Originally Posted by basketballfan22

how do you break one post into several quotes? For example, he broke up my last post and was able to type a response to several sections of it.

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Gonna let you ponder that one BB, lol! :lol: After all, I can't have everyone running rampant on the board, using my reply style, right!? Looks like 405 already 'adopted' it as well. I must say though, it does make for a very clean, concise reply, doesn't it!? ;)

I'll give you this though (back to multi-quoting separate posts): you don't have to quote them in the order they were posted. Your reply (with quotes) will post the quotes in the order you clicked on 'multiquote'.

There, now you can't say I never taught you anything, lol!

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Originally Posted by austinite

Exact

ly.

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Austin got it!

Got all my stuff... tomorrow will be the first day using the Arginine and Citrulline, i'll let you know if I see/feel any noticeable difference!