Fish, Shellfish, Joint Complex Sample & Allergies

 

On Euston station I was offered samples of Joint Complex. 

I was a bit suspicious. However, when I went online I discovered that it is sold at Boots chemist, which has a branch near Baker Street station. I am obviously over 50, was walking with a stick due to a recent problem (which seems to be gradually improving). Medications are more likely to be needed, or wanted, by the elderly, so if you are handing out to a targeted audience, or those willing to take samples, I was an obvious target. I still had questions.

1 Do you need it?

2 How do you take it?

3 What do the reviews say?

4 What does it cost? I thought it was quite expensive, if you buy enough for a month or three months. If you commit to a bulk purchase, it's a good idea to be sure you need it, like it, don't suffer from side effects, and will continue. 

5 Do I need any supplements? My doctor's just tested me for deficiencies. I have ostopoenia, which means in danger of osteoporosis which is more serious. Bones like a fragile honeycomb with holes. So, after a fall from dizziness, I am concerned.

I should be able to get nutrients from my diet. (However, I do already take calcium supplements. In theory, even in winter in the UK I should be able to walk in the sunlight for 20 minutes to half an hour every day during daylight hours. In practice I am in a desk job and am scared of getting skin cancer and falling over.

If I need a medication which is only available on prescription to prevent overdosing or reaction to other ingredients, I should be eligible to get it from my doctor. (Although doctors may say that if it is not a medicine required for a permanent condition, just an over the counter medicine you might require once for a temporary condition, you should be able to save your time and the doctor's and NHS money, by asking the pharmacist for advice. Then buying what you fancy or supplements you need to take temporarily because you are travelling or crossing time zones without access to fresh food. 

5 What are the ingredients? It lists fish. When I told the person handing out the supplement that I was allergic to shellfish, he took back the sample and said, "Better not take it, then."

Later in the day I went back through Euston and another person was handing out the free samples. I took one of each of two colours.

I went home and hesitated to try them because of my fear or eating or drinking anything made with shellfish.

However, when I discussed this with my husband later, he said that calcium often comes from fish bones, and supplements might include cod liver oil, neither of which are shellfish. 

I went onto the Boots page to look for a list of ingredients. It also says fish. I was still in doubt. I kept going round and round the system of Frequently Asked Questions, which were mostly about delivery, and not ingredients. Then I found phone numbers. For the UK or Ireland.

The UK one was 0345 609 0055, This did not specify whether it was only office hours, such as 9 or 10 to 5 or 6 pm, Monday to Friday, or seven days a week and 24 hours, which it could be if there was a call service with overseas staff in a different time zone or on shift work.

Another alternative is to go into my local pharmacy, in the suburbs, preferably midweek, on a non busy day, or the big one in central London.

I made myself a sample of one of the drinks but did not like the taste. However I think I left it to stew for too long or did not add enough water. 

The instructions told you how much water to add. But it was all in measurements. I never weigh anything. For me, measurements have to be in tea spoons or tea cups. Preferably with a drawing, nice and large, not teeny print in a similar colour to the coloured background. I don't mind seeing the accurate measurement, to help others, but it is not sufficient to guide me. If you were on holiday in a hotel you might not have a weighing machine handy.  

Given that some of the customers are creatives like me, and others are elderly and can't read small print, lose their reading glasses, it would help to print text large and drawings of tea cups and spoons nice and large.

I read the reviews on the Boots website. One customer said they disliked the taste of one version of the product, and looked forward to trying the other flavour. Good. I'm glad it wasn't just me finding the drink too strongly flavoured. 

AI revealed this about the ingredients

Joint complex" can refer to a supplement or a type of anatomical joint. As a supplement, it is a blend of ingredients like glucosamine, collagen, and MSM to support joint health, cartilage, and mobility. In anatomy, a complex joint is a joint with more than one articulation surface, plus an articular disc or meniscus, like the knee joint. 

Joint complex as a supplement

• Purpose: Supports joint health, cartilage, bones, and connective tissues. 
• Key ingredients:
  • Glucosamine: A building block for cartilage. 
  • Chondroitin: Supports healthy cartilage. 
  MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): Another popular ingredient for joint health. 
  Collagen: Provides structure for bones and cartilage. 
  Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamin C for collagen production and antioxidant support, and Vitamins D, K, Copper, and Manganese for bone and muscle function. 
  Herbal extracts: Such as turmeric extract or Boswellia and ginger to support inflammation management and flexibility. 
  Hyaluronic Acid: Promotes joint lubrication and smooth movement. 

Useful Website on Joint Complex Powder In A Sachet

https://reviveactive.com/products/joint-complex?variant=31549026467926