Currently, it seems, just about the whole world and his (or her) brother are taking supplements, but I just don’t understand why. Almost every single person I come across (and I ask them all) – even my grand-children (what’s that about?) are popping these pills. Nor do the umpteen reasons they trot out for self-medicating make any sense at all; and as for science, well, that doesn’t come into it.

Of course, when supplements are targeted at specific health issues under the guidance of a medical professional, they have got a vital part to play. Many years ago I was having dizzy spells and when I went to the doctor about it, he gave me a blood test that revealed I was deficient in iron and I had to take supplements until my iron levels were restored. I now take a Vitamin D supplement because when my bloods were tested (on the suggestion and experience of Glinys), my vitamin D levels were found to be really low.

But, as functional medicine practitioner, Glinys Johnson says:

“Really there is no substitute for eating good food – especially in line with your own unique blueprint, following a better lifestyle with exercise, less stress, good sleep and happy socialisation; a holistic view.”

“Taking a pill is a passive action – an easy fix to make a person feel they are doing something that is good for them. I wouldn’t encourage people to take supplements as they just don’t know what they are taking or how it might affect them as an individual. In fact, they could be doing more harm than good – and in some circumstances could actually increase their likelihood of getting, say, certain types of cancer or cardio-vascular disease.”

“No, if people are worried about a health issue, there are a raft of tests that can be carried out by a medical professional”.

So, it seems, the only way to find out the good, the bad and the ugly within your own unique body is by blood tests….all of which leads me to the next part of my own journey

Fish versus Omega-3 supplements

Well, I hate it – fish. Don’t ask me why – perhaps it’s due to the daily spoonfuls of cod-liver oil that were inflicted on me as a small child – a post war child. Anyway, whatever the reason, it runs deep, it’s unreasonable – could be termed pathological, possibly. Over the years I have kept trying fish in different forms – but if I hit a bone (which Bob has been known to surreptitiously plant in, say, my portion of fish pie, just for the pure joy (for him) – of witnessing the ensuing drama) that’s it, I’m done – and I don’t go quietly!

However, I have become increasingly aware of how important it is to try and keep the body running well – which means – prevention being preferable to cure, becoming aware, vigilant for possible deficiencies. Already, after pressure from Glinys, I’ve addressed the Vitamin D deficiency (see box Myni’s story The D factor) and now after a battle and a letter of complaint to our local surgery, followed by discussions with my doctor – in which, although he agrees in essence with what I say, his hands, he says, are tied by NICE guidelines, I have secured the maintenance dose of this supplement via the NHS, that will ensure that my Vitamin D levels remain sufficient. So, now, with renewed pressure from Glinys, it’s time to consider the gap in my own personal fish quota.

Everyone seems to know that the main source of Omega 3 is oily fish – which, apparently, the government recommends we eat at least twice a week – with at least one of those meals being an oily fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovies or herring. Or you can take an Omega-3 supplement. Although there has been an ongoing debate between scientists whether Omega 3 supplements actually provide enough Omega-3 – or as much as you’d be getting from oily fish.

So, if I have to take an Omega-3 supplement, I have to take an Omega-3 supplement. Just go to the local supermarket, chemist or health food shop and buy it, I thought. Simple – right? Well, I quickly realised it is not simple at all and that the vast and glittering array of Omega-3 supplements in every shape and form and with wildly varying price tags (between about £10 and £40) is blinding – as is trying to understand the complexity behind the philosophy that, basically, you get what you pay for.

After much research on the internet I found two sites that did it for me. The first site – BBC Two – Trust Me, I’m a Doctor, Series 6, Episode 3 – How can I get more Omega-3 into my diet and how much difference will it make to my health? This site explains the science and complexity of the subject and conducts a trial that looks at the oily fish versus Omega-3 debate. The second site – www.thehealthcloud.co.uk/fish-oilshowdown/ – looks at 10 popular supplements which should at least enable people to see what information is important in choosing a fish oil product.

I chose to go for cod liver oil capsules made by a small Icelandic outfit called dropi, which are pricey but seem to tick all the boxes. But look at these sites and make your own mind up.

PS Of course, with hindsight, I should have had the appropriate blood test to check my Omega-3 levels before buying and taking supplements, but as the NHS will probably not be willing to do this, Glinys is sorting out a private company that will do this test. So watch this space and I’ll let you know what the result of this is. Bob, who has always loved and eaten fish but is frustrated by me, will join me in the test.

PPS Glinys has just mentioned to me that some Omega-3 supplements are more appropriate/helpful to Diabetics than others – so I await her further directions. Oh dear, more research needed!