Hepatitis B vaccine & Vitamins

[Korat88]

I recently completed a medical and the doctor who discussed the findings with me recommended that I receive the hepatitis B vaccine shots (series of 3 shots over a period of time see link below. I have been quoted just over 1000 Baht a shot which seems reasonable when I see that being exposed to hepatitis B is the leading cause of liver cancer. I was also told that I should take vitamin supplements for vitamins D, E (Gamma-tocopherol) in particular which leads me to a question for those more knowledgeable about such things please: Are all vitamin brands alike or are some better and can you find the combination above or have to take a series of them to cover specific cases? I know multi-vitamin options are available but again there are so many brands and it is a bit confusing to a lay-person. Thanks!

[gk10002000]

Typically Hep B vaccination is combined with Hep A vaccination at the same time.  Most vitamins are over hyped and most generic brands are fine.  Now in Thailand, I am not sure what brands are available as I never payed attention to them as I brought my own generic Walmart brand that is equivalent to Centrum silver

[Sheryl]

The Hep B vaccine is a solid recommendation. Vit D may also be wise if you don't get much sun exposure (ironically that is often true in the tropics as the sun is so hot people stay out of it more). It is possible to test your blood Vit D levels and that can help guide the decision.

Vit D is typically sold in combination with calcium.

Vit E supplementation per se is not advised. It was popular for a while because of its antioxidant properties but it was found that it accelerated the growth of some cancers (not caused them but sped up the growth if already present) so no longer routinely advised. However if you do not eat fish regularly then fish oil supplement, which has some Vit E as well as healthy oils, might be a good idea. Especially if your HDL cholesterol is lower than desired.

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[AAArdvark]

40 minutes ago, gk10002000 said:

Typically Hep B vaccination is combined with Hep A vaccination at the same time.  Most vitamins are over hyped and most generic brands are fine.  Now in Thailand, I am not sure what brands are available as I never payed attention to them as I brought my own generic Walmart brand that is equivalent to Centrum silver

Ask for Twinrix - A and B combo shots.

[gk10002000]

4 minutes ago, AAArdvark said:

Ask for Twinrix - A and B combo shots.

when i got mine here in the states it was from GSK Glaxo Smith Kline.   Don't know if there was a commercial name for that. 

[Sheryl]

Hep A vaccine has been part of routine childhood vaccine schedule in most Western countries for around 30 years so younger people will often already have had it in which case the Hep B alone is needed. But those too old to have gotten it should get the A + B combo.

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[Korat88]

Thanks Sheryl. I must be young enough as Hep A wasn't mentioned at all.

 

While replying does anyone use "Stevia" as an alternative sweetener? See mixed messages about the product in the processed powder form on the web. Was told to cut down on the sugar too. Getting old is tough!