Proper nutrition is even more important than usual for those of us with IBMPFD. With weakened muscles, keeping extra weight off is even more important. A proper diet, i.e., correct amounts and ratios of protein, carbohydrates, etc. are thoroughly discussed in a number of locations, so will not be repeated here. Supplements, e.g., minerals and vitamins, appeared to have helped me. Not only to degenerate more slowly than what is typical in my family, but also to have better general health, e.g., fewer colds. The following is a list of the supplements that I take and the reasons. Many were suggestions from a variety of health care professionals, although not necessarily AMA approved. Each person needs to verify for them self the efficacy of each supplement, both by taking to see if one improves and to stop taking to see if one feels worse.

Name                 Daily Dose     Each         Primary Reason       Secondary Reason          Notes                             ~Year Started/Stopped

Aspirin               4 ea             325 mg        arthritis                      heart                         enteric coated                         1975-2007

C                       1 ea             1000 mg      arthritis                      antioxidant                counter effects of aspirin         1986

E                        1 ea             1000 IU      arthritis                     antioxidant                 counter effects of aspirin         1986

Centrum             1 ea                                 health                                                        generic multi-vitamin               1988

B-100                1 ea                                 health                                                        generic multi-B vitamins          1988

Coenzyme Q-10 2 ea             200 mg       IBMPFD                 antioxidant                                                                1997

Magnesium         1 ea             133 mg       IBMPFD                 nervous system                                                         1997

Calcium              1 ea             333 mg       IBMPFD                 bone                                                                         1997

Zinc                    1 ea             5 mg           health                                                         combo Ca/Mg/Zn                   1997

Ginkgo Biloba     1 ea             120 mg       mental alertness                                                                                        1999

MSM                 1 ea             1000 mg     arthritis                                                                                                     2000

Selenium             1 ea             20 mg        health                                                                                                        2000

Flax seed oil        1 ea             1000 mg    cardio-vascular         immune                                                                     2000

Lutein                 1 ea              20 mg        eyes                         antioxidant                                                                2000

L-carnitine          2 ea             500 mg       IBMPFD                                                    L-tartrate                               2003

Tumeric               1 ea                60 mg    mental alertness                                                                                          2007

I split items up between after breakfast and after dinner. An example of how dosages change: the original recommendation for aspirin was 8/day; I later found that 6/day was effective; and after I started the MSM I only need 4/day. I adjusted the dosage based on amount of joint inflammation (pain) that was steady over a week or two. I had to stop taking the aspirin in 2007 due to internal bleeding.  Since I move less now the arthritis is not as bad, I take ibuprofen for a few days (up to a week) for reoccurring arthritis problems.  I take generic Tylenol for reoccurring pain, often 1 or 2 500 mg tablets a night to allow sleeping.

Some items are in the same pill, i.e., can get one pill that contains Calcium/Magnesium/Zinc; so do not have to swallow so many items at one time. The pills should be only taken with a meal or in a few hours after a meal.  Some items I do not take at the frequency noted above when other problems occur, i.e., stop for a few days when tumeric causes bowel issues.